How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to think about, choosing the ideal cot bed is one of the most important buys. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect bed for your baby.
A premium option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a variety of options that have different lifespans some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years or beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed tend to be more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that will last for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous design and easy to assemble make it an ideal choice for parents looking for a high-quality cot that will last for a long time. Our parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look beautiful in a contemporary nursery. This cot bed comes with a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina felt was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. This cot bed is not inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setting up.
A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents liked the simple design and simple assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be tucked easily, fitting into a bag that's the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not ideal for car camping but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot a lot.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot that we recommend, especially if you choose to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they are around four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be converted into a minimalist toddler bed, and created a cocoon like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and feel secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby is not able to get out. Some cot beds include extra features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.
Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still beautiful." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and is made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for safety. There is also an extension kit available that can transform it to a larger bed when your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most standard cot mattresses and is a great value buy for the money.
This is an excellent choice If you're looking for a high-end cot. It comes with four mattress positions 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 easy for moving it from one room to another.
The cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely durable, with strong frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. They were impressed by the fact that the slats are spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the durability and functionality are worth the cost.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when purchasing a cot-bed. It's crucial to select the cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the perfect cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the traditional sleigh style isn't as bulky that these types of cots can provide. It also doesn't skimp on storage space, and comes with an extra drawer that slides under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that can be suitable for any nursery. It's designed to last 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 a draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a good choice for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.
Another option with a sleek panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with a small space as it can be collapsed and flat-packed. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child is 10 years old. of age.
Convertability
If you're a new parent there are a lot of baby essentials to think about. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that will last as long as possible and grow with your child to give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms 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 most durable pick and will last your child from birth through the time of their childhood.
It's a little more expensive than the other cot beds we tested however, its high-end appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. The instructions could have been more precise, but our parent test subjects were impressed with the ease with which it was for them to build and put up. This is a minor flaw but it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need an upper or lower base level, based on their age and level. It also comes with teething rails as well as a plastic strip on the top to guard it from biting.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not expensive but it's great value for money as it will see your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, so you can be confident that it will last. small cot beds 'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.