How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. We've created this guide to help find the best choice for your baby.
top rated cots -quality option is perfect it perfectly Scandi style nursery. This sturdy and durable option can grow with your baby, with three mattress positions, and the ability to take the sides off to create a chic bench style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are also different choices that come with different durations, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the preschool years or beyond. The ones that can be converted into beds are more expensive, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last for a long time. Our parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was more suitable than less expensive cots that have an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this bed isn't cheap, and it does require an Allen key to make it functional.
The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that can give your baby a comfortable night's sleep. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were highly praised by our parents who tested it. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored as it fits into a bag the size of the one used to store a camping chair. It's on the lightweight side, meaning it may not be ideal for camping in the car however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot all the time.
The SnuzKot is another good affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach four years old. Our dad tester loved that it could be transformed into a minimalist-looking toddler bed and create a cocoon like feeling by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides and solid foundations to ensure that your child is unable to easily climb out. Some cot beds will also have additional features, such as teething rails and drawers under the bed, which can help you organize your home as your baby is growing.
Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its traditional design will suit most homes and is made of sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about the purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to give you peace of mind) and comes with an option for an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
This is a great choice when you're in search of a high-end cot. It comes with four mattress base positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is around three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from one room to the next.
This cot comes with handy travel bag, and is one of the lightest cots we tested at 6kg. It's also extremely robust with an extremely sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little challenging. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting stuck between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed but the durability and functionality make it worth the investment.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't neglect the style. It is essential to choose a cot that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic bed is the ideal bed for design-lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh design doesn't have that bulky feeling that these cots are known for. It's packed with storage space and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to expand with your baby.
Alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a stylish panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they reach six years old. older. It converts into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the cot beds that we tested to have draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it an excellent option for parents who want their cot bed to endure the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has a panelled design. It is available in a range of colors to match your nursery decor. Our mom testers loved its nifty features and the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also among the easiest cot beds to put together, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It is also an excellent option for those with limited space because it can be flat-packed and then collapsed. It can be used with the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child is 10 years older.
Convertibility
If you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child so they can have a safe place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for children. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which can be converted into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice that will last your child from birth to childhood.
It's expensive compared to some of the other cot beds that we test, but it comes with an elegant design and feel that will fit in with any nursery. The instructions could have been more simple, but our parents testers were awed by the ease with which it was for to construct and put up. This isn't a major issue, though, considering it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique feature of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three most popular options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need an upper or lower base level depending on their age and ability. It includes teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from being bit.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was particularly attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not inexpensive but it's great value for money as it will last your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.