How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for every baby. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect bed for your little one.
This premium option fits perfectly it perfectly Scandi style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, with three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a sleek 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 throughout the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be turned into a bed are more expensive, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those who want an excellent cot that will last a lifetime. The minimalist design and warm finish is perfect for the Scandi nursery. The cot bed also comes with a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina found to be a better option than some cheaper cots that come with a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic along the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. The cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
A more affordable option that still gives your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away and easily tucked away into a bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not ideal for car camping however it's suitable for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is an additional budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It can grow with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed, and also created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides and an erect base that your child can't easily climb out. Some cots include extra features like teething rails or drawers under the bed which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby grows.
Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still beautiful." Its traditional design is suitable for all homes and is made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about your purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to give you reassurance) and comes with an option to add an extension kit that takes it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great choice for those on a tight budget. It's easy to assemble, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options that allow you to alter the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattress and is a great purchase for the price.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this is a good choice. It offers four mattress base positions when in cot mode and will last until your child is three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it a great option for moving it from one room to the next.
This cot is very lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It's also very sturdy, with a strong frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little difficult. They also noted that the slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught in between them. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other cots we looked at however, it's worth the investment for its longevity and practicality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when buying a cot-bed. The crib of your baby will be used for a long time, so it's essential to find one that you enjoy and also is practical and functional.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the best cot bed for design lovers with its sleek, modern design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds can often have. It's got plenty of storage space such as the drawer that is built into the cot as well as rails for teething on the sides. recommended cribs found it to be robust and durable, with a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
If you prefer alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with an elegant panel design that will look great in any nursery. It is designed to last your child until they reach six years old. older. It converts into a junior mattress, and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the only a handful of cot beds that we have tested with the option of a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit your nursery decor. Our mum testers loved its unique features and the storage drawer being especially useful for storing bedding and clothing. It's also among the most simple cot beds to put together, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have a limited space, as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It can be used with the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. of age.
Convertability
There are a variety of baby necessities you need to think about as a new parent. But one of the most important is a quality cot bed. You want something that lasts for as long as you can and will grow with your child to provide them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for children. 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 x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, as it should see your child through from birth to childhood.
It's expensive compared to some of the other cot beds that we test, but it comes with an attractive look and feel that will suit any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent testers were impressed by the ease with which it was for them to build and put up. This is a minor fault however, as it was still a breeze and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another unique characteristic of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child develops. They may require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and abilities. It includes teething rails that are useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to stop it from being bit.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap, however it is a an excellent value, since it will last until they reach the age of toddler and beyond. It's also covered by an assurance of one year so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll have to buy an additional mattress, that's not included.