How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to think about, choosing the ideal crib bed is among the most important items to purchase. 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 Scandi-style nurseries. This sturdy and durable choice can expand with your baby, with three mattress positions, and the ability to remove the sides to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots there's something for every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options that offer various levels of longevity and some convert into toddler beds that can be used into the age of preschool and beyond. Naturally, those which convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid in the event that you need a cot that lasts for a long time instead of just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous design and easy to assemble makes it a fantastic choice for those who want a high-quality cot that will last a lifetime. Our parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed also has a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina thought was superior to less expensive cots with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. The cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key to set up.
The cot for the Elementary is a cheaper option that will give your baby a good night's rest. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. Our parent testers liked the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored and easily tucked away into a bag that's as big as the carry case of a camping chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is an additional budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created an atmosphere of cocoons with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design that has safety bars or sides, as well as an erect base, so your baby can't easily climb out. Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage that will help you stay organized while your baby grows.
Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still beautiful." Its traditional design will fit in with any home 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 to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide security) and also has the option of an extension kit that takes it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish and simple cot is a good choice when you're on a tight budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. explanation is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is an excellent purchase for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this is a great option. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It can keep your baby safe until they are around three years old. It folds flat and comes with locks on the wheels, making it extremely mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
This cot is very light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag to carry it around in. It's also very sturdy, with a strong frame that can handle noisy toddlers. Our testers found it a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were clear and well-written. The slats were placed far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting trapped between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but don't neglect the design. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal cot bed for design lovers with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these beds can often feature. It's packed with storage space-saving features and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the sides. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.
Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with an elegant panel design that would suit any nursery. It's designed to last until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the cot beds that we've tested with an opening with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while 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 comes with a panelled design. It is available in a variety of colours to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed with the features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great choice for those with limited space as it can be folded 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 old.
Convertability
When you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, ensuring that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
Although most cots can be converted into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go a step further than this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, since it should see your child through from birth to childhood.
It's expensive when compared to other cot beds that we tested, but it has an elegant design and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed by how simple it was to build and set up however they did mention that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue however, as it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an improvement over the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need an upper or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip on the top to protect it from biting.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap however it offers excellent value for money since it will see your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by one-year warranties and gives you peace of mind that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is a mattress, which isn't included.