How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a essential item for any baby. So we've put together this guide to help you find the perfect bed for your little one.
This high-end option works perfectly to be used in Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable choice can grow with your baby with three mattress positions, and the ability remove the sides to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used throughout the preschool years or even beyond. Naturally, those that convert into a bed are generally more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid when you're looking for a cot that will last for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last for a long time. Our testers for parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer that mum tester Katrina felt was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. This cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setting up.
A less expensive option that still gives your baby a comfy night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The easy design and simple assembly were praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's as big as the carry case for a camp chair. It's a little light and therefore may not be ideal for camping in the car, however it's suitable for living in an apartment or for those who don't intend to move their cot for too long.
The SnuzKot is a good affordable cot that we suggest particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). see more will expand with your child until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked that it could be transformed into a modern-looking toddler bed, and also create an atmosphere of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy design that includes safety bars or sides, as well as an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to easily get out. Some cots come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage that can aid you in staying organized as your baby develops.
Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its classic design will fit in with any home and is made of sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide peace of mind) and comes with an option to add an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options, so you can adjust the height as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattress and is a great purchase for the price.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It can keep your baby safe until they reach the age of three. It folds flat and comes with lockable wheels, making it extremely portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag and is one of the lightest cots we tested at 6kg. It's also extremely durable and has a strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. They also noted that the slats are spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught in between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, however the durability and functionality are worth the cost.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't overlook the design. It is essential to choose a cot that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the best bed for design-lovers. Its sleek, modern version of the traditional sleigh style doesn't have that bulky feeling that these types of cots can provide. It's packed with storage space-saving features and storage options, including the drawer that is built into the cot and teething rails on the sides. Our mother test subject found it to be sturdy and robust and has three positions of base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
Alternately, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a stylish panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It is made to last until they are six years old. It converts into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a few cot beds that we've tested with an apex drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
Another option with a sleek panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer is useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were awed by the features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to put together, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space as it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as the new parent. One of the most important is a quality cot bed - you want something that lasts as long as possible and will grow with your child to provide them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
While most cots can be converted into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit some cots are made to go beyond this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable pick and will last your child from birth through the age of.
It's a little more expensive than the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium design and feel will look great in any nursery. Our parents were impressed with how easy it was to put together and construct however they did mention that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique aspect of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This allows you to adjust it as your child gets older, because they might require a lower or higher base level based on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip along the top to protect it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap, but it offers the best value for money because it will last until they reach the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranties and gives you assurance that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.