How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for any baby. We've created this guide to help find the best choice for your baby.
A premium option that will look great in Scandi-style nurseries. This sturdy and durable choice can grow with your baby with three mattress positions and the ability to take the sides off to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used in the preschool years or even beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into a bed are generally more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid if you want a cot that will last for a long time instead of just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its luxurious design and easy to assemble make it a great option for parents looking for an excellent cot that will last for a lifetime. Our parent testers liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was superior to less expensive cots with an inbuilt drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. However, at over PS599 with a mattress sold separately the bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to get it up and running.
The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that can give your baby a peaceful night's rest. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our parent testers loved the simple design and simple assembly. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored since it can fit 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 suitable for car camping but it should be fine to live in apartments or for those who don't plan to move their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is an additional budget-friendly cot we recommend, especially if you choose to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they're approximately four years old and our dad tester liked the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed, and also created a cocoon-like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel solid and secure. Find a sturdy style with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your child is unable to climb out. Some cots include extra features such as teething rails, or drawers for under-bed storage that can aid you in staying organized as your baby develops.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There's also an extension kit that will take it up to a larger bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is an excellent choice for those on a limited budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most standard crib mattresses and is a good buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this is a good choice. It comes with four mattress base positions when in the cot position and will last until your child is 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 comes with a handy travel bag, and is among the smallest cots that we tested at 6kg. It's also extremely robust with a sturdy frame that will withstand boisterous toddlers. Our test subjects found it a bit tricky to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. They also noted that the slats are spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the durability and function make it worth the investment.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't overlook the style. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the perfect bed for design-lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the classic sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types can have. It also doesn't skimp on space-saving storage and has an extra drawer that slides under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be connected to the side of the. Our mum test subject found it to be sturdy and robust, with the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternatively, best cot beds from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a smart panelled look that would suit any nursery. It's made to be used until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we've tested with an opening 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.
Another option with a smart 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 clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were awed by the features. affordable cots 's also among the easiest cot beds for parents to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have a limited space, as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertability
There are a variety of baby necessities that you must consider when 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 you can and evolve with your child, so they can have a safe place to sleep.
While most cots can be transformed to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go 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), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice that will last from birth through childhood.
It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested however its superior design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent testers were impressed by how easy it was to construct and install. This isn't a big issue however, since it was still a breeze and took just 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique aspect of this cot is that it has four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They might require an upper or lower base level, based on their age and abilities. It comes with teething rails that are useful and a plastic strip at the top to stop it from becoming a bit.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad's testers. It is not cheap but it offers the best value for money since it will last until they reach toddlerhood and beyond. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty, so you have confidence that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress which isn't included.