How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for any baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you choose the perfect bed for your baby.
A high-quality bed that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option can grow with your baby, with three mattress positions, and the ability to remove the sides to create a stylish bench style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a variety of choices that come with different durations and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds to be used in the preschool years or even beyond. The ones that can be transformed into beds are more expensive, but they'll last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those looking for an excellent cot that will last a lifetime. The sleek design and warm color will look great in a Scandi nursery. The cot bed also comes with a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic across 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 to set up.
A less expensive option that will still give your baby a comfortable night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's as big as a camp chair's carry case. It's a little lighter than the average cot which means it might not be suitable for camping in the car however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't intend to move their cot around too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until around four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed and created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and feel secure. Find a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides and an erect base, so your baby can't easily climb out. Some cot beds have additional features like teething rails and under-bed drawers which can help keep things organised as your baby is growing.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still beautiful." Its classic design will fit in with any home and is made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There's an extension kit available that will take it up to a larger bed when your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those with a tight budget. It's easy to set up and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most standard cot mattresses and is a great value buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this is a great option. It comes with four mattress positions in the cot position and will last until your baby is around three years old. It folds flat and comes with locks on the wheels, making it extremely convenient to move it from room to room.
This cot is light at just 6kg, and comes with a handy bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable, with a strong frame that'll stand up to noisy toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little difficult. The slats were set apart to keep fingers from getting trapped between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the durability and function are worth the cost.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but don't forget the design. It is essential to choose a cot that is both functional and beautiful.
The classic ickle bubba 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 packed with storage space-saving features and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base allows it to expand with your baby.
Alternately alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a smart panelled look that is perfect for any nursery. It's made to last until they are six years older. It converts into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the only a few cot beds that we've tested with an apex drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with panels. It comes in a variety of colors to complement your nursery's decor. Our mum testers loved its nifty features, with the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothing. It's also the most simple cot beds to assemble. The pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are simple to follow. Full Statement is also an excellent alternative for those with limited space because it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used up to 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are a lot of baby essentials that you must consider when a new parent. But one of the most important is a quality cot bed. You need something that will last as long as possible and will grow with your child to give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Although most cots can be made into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go a step further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted to an infant (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) and it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last your child from birth until the age of.
It's more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried however, its high-end look and feel will fit in any nursery. The instructions could have been more simple, but our parents testers were awed by the ease with which it was for to construct and set up. This isn't a major issue but it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different base heights for the mattress. This is an improvement over the three most common options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need an upper or lower base level depending on their age and ability. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to protect it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad's testers. It's not inexpensive however it offers great value for money as it will see your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. Additionally, it comes with an one-year guarantee which gives you peace of mind that it's durable and durable. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress which is not included.