How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your little one.
A top-quality option that is perfect for nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. This sturdy and durable option can grow with your baby with three mattress positions and the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options that offer different amounts of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds for use into the age of preschool and beyond. nursery cots that can be converted into beds are more expensive, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its luxurious aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those looking for an upscale cot that can last for a lifetime. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish is perfect for a Scandi nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was more suitable than cheaper cots which have a drawer built-in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately, this bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to make it functional.
The Elementary cot is a less expensive option that can give your baby a peaceful 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 parent testers. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked easily, fitting into a carry bag that's about the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's a little lighter than the average cot which means it might not be suitable for camping in the car, but it should be fine for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot for too long.
We suggest the SnuzKot as an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they are around four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be transformed into a modern-looking toddler bed, and created 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 solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design that has sides or safety bars and an erect base, so your baby can't easily get out. Some cot beds will also include extra features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib, which can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.
The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There is also an extension kit available that will take it up to a larger bed when your child's ready.
This elegant and simple cot is an excellent choice for those with a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options, so you can adjust the height as your baby grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a great buy for the price.
This is a fantastic option when you're in search of an extremely high-end cot. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It'll last until your child are about three years old. It also can be folded flat and has locking wheels, making it very convenient to move it from room to room.
This cot is very light at only 6kg and comes with a great bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable and has a strong frame that can withstand noisy toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. The slats were placed far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting stuck between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the quality and durability are worth the cost.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't forget the design. The crib of your baby will be used for a long time, therefore it's crucial to choose one that you love as well as is functional and practical.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these beds usually feature. It's got plenty of space-saving storage, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. nursery cots tested it and found it to be robust and durable and has the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has an elegant panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It is designed to last until they reach the age of six old. It can be converted into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cot beds that we have tested with an apex drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
Another option with a smart panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of colour options to coordinate with your nursery decor. Our mom testers were impressed by its clever features including the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothing. It's also among the easiest cot beds for parents to build, with all pieces being clearly labelled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with limited space because it can be rolled up and rolled down. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child turns 10 years old. older.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby must-haves to consider. But one of the most important is a quality cot bed. You want something that will last for as long as it can and will grow with your child to give them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for toddlers. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into an infant (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, since it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.
It's not cheap in comparison to other cot beds we've evaluated, but it offers an elegant appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent testers were awed by the ease with which it was for to construct and install. This is not a major issue, however, as it was incredibly simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
This cot has four different base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade from the three most common options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows as they may need an upper or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It includes teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip at the top to keep it from becoming a bit.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap, but it offers the best value for money because it will last your child through the toddler years and beyond. It's also covered by a 1-year warranty so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.