How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. So we've put together this guide to help you find the perfect bed for your little one.
A high-quality bed that fits beautifully in 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 you think of cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also different options that have different lifespans, some of which can be converted into toddler beds to be used throughout the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be converted into a bed are more expensive, but they will last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. top ranked cribs and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last for a lifetime. Our testers for parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. This cot bed comes with a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina felt was a better option than some cheaper cots that have a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. This cot bed is not cheap, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
A less expensive alternative that will still provide your baby a good night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers liked the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be stored easily, fitting into a carry bag that's about the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's a bit light which means it might not be suitable for car camping but it's a good choice for living in an apartment or for those who don't want to move their cot for too long.
We suggest the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. top ranked cribs will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our dad tester loved that it could be transformed into a modern-looking toddler bed, and also create an atmosphere of cocoons by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Choose a sturdy design with sides or safety bars and an erect base that your child can't easily get out. Some cot beds have additional features such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib, which can help you organize your life as your baby is growing.
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 to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you peace of mind) and comes with an option to add an extension kit that can take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice when you're on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a good buy for the price.
This is a fantastic option If you're looking for an expensive cot. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It'll keep your baby safe until they are around three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it portable to move it from one room to the next.
The cot is extremely light at just 6kg, and comes with a handy bag for travel. It's also extremely durable with an extremely sturdy frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little challenging. They also noted that the slats were spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a bit more expensive than the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the investment for its durability and functionality.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't overlook the design. The crib of your baby will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that you love as well as is practical and functional.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the best bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek, modern design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds usually have. It's got plenty of storage space and storage options, including the drawer that is built into the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. Our mom test subject found it to be robust and durable with the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to grow with your child.
If you prefer, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a smart panelled look 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 to a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the only cot beds we've tested with a draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it an excellent option for parents who want their cot bed to endure the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has panels. It comes in a variety of colors to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It's also the easiest cot bed to put together. The pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with little space since it can be flat-packed and then collapsed. It can be used with the standard 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. older.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as you become a new parent. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that lasts for as long as you can and grow with your child to give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for toddlers. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which can be converted into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, since it will last your child through from birth to childhood.
It's more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried however, its high-end design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent testers were awed by the ease with which it was for to construct and install. This is not a major issue, however, as it was still very simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another great feature of this cot is that it has four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three most common 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 useful teething rails and a strip along the top to shield it from biting.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not cheap, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will take your child through toddlerhood and beyond. Additionally, it comes with one-year warranties which gives you peace of mind that it will be sturdy and durable. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.