How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for any baby. This guide will assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
A top-quality option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable choice that can grow with your child, with three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options that provide different amounts of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds to be used throughout the age of preschool and beyond. Of course, the ones which convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it if you want a cot that lasts for years rather than just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its stunning aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those who want an upscale cot that can last for a long time. The sleek design and warm finish is perfect for the Scandi nursery. The cot bed also has a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina felt was a better option than some cheaper cots that have an integrated drawer, as well as 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. However, at over PS599 with a mattress sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to get it up and running.
great crib is a more affordable option that can give your baby a peaceful night's rest. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our testers with parents liked the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be put away easily, fitting into a carry bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not ideal for camping in the car but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot a lot.
The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed and gave the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Find a sturdy design that includes safety bars or sides, as well as a solid base, so your baby can't easily climb out. Some cot beds come with 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 her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its traditional style will suit most 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 to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to give you reassurance) and comes with an option to add an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great choice for those on a limited 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 baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It'll last until your child are about three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from one room to another.
This cot is lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a handy bag for travel. It is also very robust and has a sturdy frame that will be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our testers found it to be a bit tricky to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. The slats were set apart to prevent fingers from getting trapped between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots we reviewed but it's well worth the investment for its durability and functionality.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but don't neglect the design. The cot you choose for your baby will be in use for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one you like and is also functional and practical.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the best cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern version of the classic sleigh style doesn't have that bulky feeling that these types of cots can provide. It also offers storage space, and comes with a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, plus teething rails that can be attached to the side. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.
If you prefer you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a stylish panel design that will look great in any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they are six years old. It transforms into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we tested that has draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it an excellent option for parents who want their cot to last for a long time.
Another option with a smart panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several colors to match your nursery decor. Our mom testers loved its unique features, with the storage drawer being especially useful for storing bedding and clothing. It's also one of the easiest cot beds for parents to build, with all pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space as it can be flat-packed and then collapsed. cot sets can be used with a standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child is 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as you become a new parent. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as you can and evolve with your child, so that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for toddlers. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted to an infant (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) as well as it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, as it should see your child through from birth to childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than the other cot beds we tested however its superior design and feel will look great in 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 clearer. This is not a major issue, however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique characteristic of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three standard options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may require an upper or lower base level depending on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip along the top to protect it from biting.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap, but it's a an excellent value, since it will last your child into the toddler years and beyond. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty, so you have confidence that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.