How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a essential item for any baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the ideal bed for your baby.
A top-quality option that will look great in Scandi-style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option can grow with your baby, with three mattress positions and the ability to remove the sides to create a stylish bench style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are also different options with different lifespans and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be converted into beds are more expensive, but they will last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its elegant design and simple design making it a great choice for those who want an excellent crib that can stand the test of time. Our testers for parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina believed was a better choice than some cheaper cots which have a drawer built in. It also has an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately, this crib isn't cheap. It requires an Allen key to make it functional.
A more budget-friendly alternative that will still provide your baby a good night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away away easily too, fitting into a bag that's as big as the carry case of a camping chair. It's not the best choice for camping in the car however it's suitable for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is an additional budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your child until they're approximately four years old and our dad tester loved the fact that it was able to transform into an unassuming toddler bed and created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Look for a robust design that has sides or safety bars and an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to easily get out. Some cot beds will also include extra features, such as teething rails and drawers under the bed, which can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.
Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and still looks amazing." Its classic design is suitable for all homes 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 for safety. There is an extension kit available that can transform it to a full-sized bed once your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a good choice for those on a tight budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a good purchase for the money.
If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great choice. It has an impressive four mattress positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. best crib newborn can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to another.
The 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 an extremely sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little difficult to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting stuck between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed but the durability and function are worth the cost.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't forget the design. The crib of your baby will be used for a long time so it's essential to find one that you love and also is practical and useful.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the ideal bed for those who love design, with its sleek modern version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds can often feature. It also has plenty of storage space, and comes with an extra drawer that slides under the cot, and teething rails that can be attached to the side. Our mom test subject found it to be solid and sturdy and has the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with a panelled design that will be suitable for any nursery. It is made to last until they reach the age of six old. It can be converted into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cot beds that we have tested with a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
Another option with a sleek panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer is useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed by the features. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be folded flat and rolled down. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. older.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you want something that will last for as long as you can and will change with your child to provide them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for toddlers. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which can be converted into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice and will last from birth to childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium design and feel will look great in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed by how simple it was to build and set up, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for mattresses. This is an improvement over the three most common options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows, because they might require a higher or lower base level based on their age and level. It also comes with teething rails as well as a plastic strip on the top to shield it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad tester. It's not cheap but it offers an excellent value, because it will last through the toddler years and beyond. Additionally, it comes with one-year warranties which gives you assurance that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.