How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to consider, a top cot bed is among the most important purchases. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect bed for your little one.
This premium option fits perfectly it perfectly Scandi style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years or even beyond. Of course, the ones which convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the investment could be worth it when you're looking for a cot that will last for years rather than just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those looking for a high-quality cot that will last for a lifetime. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look great in an Scandi nursery. The cot bed also comes with a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was an improvement over cheaper cots that come with a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately, this cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to get it up and running.
The cot for the Elementary is a less expensive option that will give your baby a good night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. The easy design and simple assembly were highly praised by our parent testers. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored since it can fit into bags that are similar to the one used to store a camping chair. It's a little on the lightweight side and therefore may not be suitable for camping in the car, however it's suitable for living in an apartment or for those who don't plan to move their cot around for too long.
We recommend the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your child until approximately four years old and our dad tester liked the fact that it was able to transform into an unassuming toddler bed, and also created the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Find a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides, as well as an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to be able to climb out. Some cots have additional features like teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby grows.
Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still beautiful." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and it's made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure security. There is also an extension kit that will take it up to a full-sized bed once your child's ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a great option when you're on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height as your baby grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a great buy for the money.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this one is a great option. It comes with four mattress base positions in the cot position and will last until your baby is three years old. It can be folded flat and has locking wheels, making it mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
The cot is extremely light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It's also extremely sturdy, with a strong frame that'll stand up to noisy toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. The slats were set apart to prevent fingers from getting trapped between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the quality and durability are worth the cost.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when you are buying a cot bed. It's crucial to select a cot that is both practical and attractive.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the best bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary version of the traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these beds often have. It also doesn't skimp on space-saving storage and has a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be connected to the side of the. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with a panelled design that can fit in with any nursery. It is designed to last your child until they reach the age of six old. It converts into a junior mattress, and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the few cot beds we tested that has draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot bed to stand the test of time.
explanation that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothes. Our mum testers were impressed with its features. It's also the most simple cot beds to put together. The components are clearly labeled and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with a small space, since it can be collapsed and flat-packed. It fits a standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child is 10 years of age.
Convertability
There are a variety of baby necessities that you should consider as the new parent. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
While most cots can be made into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go a step further than this. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice that will last your child from birth through the age of.
It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds we test, but it comes with a premium design and feel that will be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could have been more precise, but our parent testers were awed by how easy it was for to construct and set up. This isn't a big issue but it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot has four different mattress base heights. This is an improvement over the three most common options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need an upper or lower base level based on their age and abilities. It also comes with teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to protect it from biting.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap but it offers the best value for money because it will last your child into toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.