How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. This guide has been created to help find the best choice for your baby.
This high-end option works perfectly in Scandi style nursery. This sturdy and durable choice will grow with your child with three mattress positions, and the ability to remove the sides to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When you think of cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options with different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds for use throughout the age of preschool and beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into beds are generally more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it in the event that you need a cot that lasts for a long time instead of just the duration of a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design. It's a great choice for those who want an extremely high-quality crib that can stand the test of time. Our testers for parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina considered to be an excellent alternative to cheaper cots which have a drawer built in. It also has an anti-bite strip along the top ranked cribs rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately the cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to start it up.
A more affordable option that will still give your baby a comfortable night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary 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 easily, fitting into a carry bag that's as big as a camp chair's carry case. It's not the best crib choice for camping in the car, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot around too often.
We recommend 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 can grow with your child until they're approximately four years old and our dad tester loved the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed, and also created the feeling of a cocoon with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, as well as an erect base, so your baby can't be able to climb out. Some cot beds have additional features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib, which can help you organize your life while your baby 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 transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There is also an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed once your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It's easy to assemble and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses 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 sale and has four mattress positions. It'll keep your baby safe until they are around three years old. It folds flat and has lockable wheels, making it very portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot is lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a great bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it a little challenging to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. They noted that the slats were spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the durability and function 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 style. It's important that you choose a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design, with its sleek modern design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds often have. It also doesn't skimp on storage space, and comes with an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, plus teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.
Alternately you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a stylish panel design that would suit any nursery. It's made to last until your child is six years old, converting first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the few cot beds we tested that has draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a great option for parents who want their cot to last for a long time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has panels. It comes in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were awed by its features. It's also the easiest cot bed to put together. The components are clearly labeled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space as it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used up to 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are many Baby Cot Bed essentials that you must consider when a new parent. One of the most important is a good 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.
While the majority of cots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go a step further than this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which can be converted into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice, as it will last your child from birth through the age of.
It's a bit pricey when compared to other cot beds that we test, but it comes with an attractive appearance and feel that would suit 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 simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another great aspect of this cot is that it comes with four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This allows you to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need an upper or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It comes with teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip at the top to stop it from getting bitten.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad test-driver. It is not cheap but it offers great value since it will last your child through the toddler years and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress, which is not included.