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 assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy choice that can grow with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides for a sleek 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 to be used throughout the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be turned into beds are more expensive, but they will last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its stunning aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those looking for a high-quality cot that will last for a lifetime. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was an excellent alternative to cheaper cots with a drawer built-in. It also has an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setup.
The Elementary cot is a less expensive option that will give your baby a comfortable night's rest. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our testers with parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and simple assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored easily, fitting into a bag that's as big as the carry case for a camp chair. It's not the best choice for car camping but it's perfect for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot around too often.
The SnuzKot is another good budget-friendly cot that we recommend, especially if you choose to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they are around four years old. Our father tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist toddler bed, and also create an atmosphere of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby is not able to climb out. Some cot beds will also include extra features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib which can help organize your home as your baby is growing.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still beautiful." Its classic design is suitable for all homes and is made of 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 (leaving three sides open for reassurance) and comes with an option for an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish and simple cot is a great choice if you're on a budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It can be used with standard cot mattresses and is a great value purchase for the price.
This is an excellent choice If you're looking for an extremely high-end cot. It has an impressive four mattress base positions when in the cot position and will last until your child is around three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to the next.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is among the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also very sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. weblink were spaced sufficiently apart to prevent fingers from getting stuck between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the quality and durability are worth the cost.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but don't overlook the design. The cot you choose for your baby will be in use for a long time so it's essential to find one you like as well as is practical and functional.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the best bed for design-lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the traditional sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types of cots can provide. It also offers space-saving storage and has an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, plus teething rails that can be affixed to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.
Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with an elegant panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It's made to last until your child is six years old, and then it transforms first into a junior bed and then into a stylish sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cot beds that we've tested with the option of a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with panels. It comes in a variety of colours to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to put together. The pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It is also an excellent alternative for those with limited space as it can be flat-packed and rolled down. best cot beds fits an ordinary 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 is 10 years old. older.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent there are a myriad of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
While the majority of cots can be converted to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which can be converted into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability and will last your child from birth until the age of.
It's a bit pricey in comparison to other cot beds we test, but it comes with an attractive appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. The instructions could have been more precise, but our parent testers were awed by how easy it was for to construct and install. This is a minor flaw but it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade over the three most popular options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows since they may require a higher or lower base level based on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to guard it from being bitten.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was especially keen on the grey finish. It's not expensive, but it does offer an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.