How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for every baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you choose the ideal bed for your baby.
A premium option that is perfect for nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that will grow with your child, with three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of choices that come with different durations some of which can be converted into toddler beds to be used in the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be turned into beds are more expensive, but they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious design and easy to assemble make it a great option for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last for a lifetime. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look fantastic in an Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina felt was an improvement over cheaper cots that come with an inbuilt drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. The cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setup.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that can give your baby a comfortable night's sleep. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were well-loved by our parents who tested it. The cot can be folded down and stored easily as it fits into bags that are similar to the one used for the camping chair. It's a little on the lightweight side, meaning it may not be suitable for camping in the car however it's suitable for living in an apartment or for those who don't plan to move their cot around all the time.
We suggest the SnuzKot as an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It can grow with your child until about four years old, and our dad testers loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimal-looking toddler bed and created a cocoon-like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Find a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides and an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to easily climb out. Some cots have additional features such as teething rails, or drawers under the bed which can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open for security) and also has the option to add an extension kit that can take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a great choice if you're on a budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this is a great option. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It will last your baby until they are around three years old. It can be folded flat and has locking wheels, making it extremely portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot is very light at just 6kg, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around in. It's also extremely sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can withstand noisy toddlers. Our testers found it a bit tricky to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were set apart to avoid fingers getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other cots we looked at, but it is worth the cost for its durability and utility.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when purchasing a cot-bed. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the best bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds often have. It also offers space-saving storage and has a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be affixed to the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base allows it to expand with your baby.
If you prefer alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a stylish panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It is made to last until they reach six years old. old. It can be converted into a junior mattress, and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the only a handful of cots that we tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It is also one of the easiest cot beds to put together. The components are clearly labeled, and the instructions are simple to follow. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be folded flat and collapsed. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child is 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are a lot of baby essentials that you should consider as a new parent. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, so they can have a safe place to sleep.
While most cots can be transformed into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit, some cot beds are designed to go further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It converts into an infant (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm), it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last from birth through the time of their childhood.
It's expensive when compared to other cot beds that we tested, but it has an elegant design and feel that will be a perfect fit for any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed by how simple it was to set up and build but they did say that the instructions could be clearer. This is not a major issue however, since it was still very simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three most common options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows as they may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to protect it from being bitten.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was particularly 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 toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy an additional mattress, which is not included.