How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to consider, a top crib bed is among the most important items to purchase. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect choice for your baby.
This top-quality option is perfect to be used in Scandi style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable choice that can grow with your child. It has three mattress height positions 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 also a range of options that offer various levels of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds to be used throughout the age of preschool and beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed are generally more expensive, but the investment could be worth it if you want a cot that lasts for a long time instead of just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its elegant design and simple design making it a great choice for those who want an excellent cot that will stand up to the test of time. This model's minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look great in an Scandi nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina believed was an excellent alternative to cheaper cots with an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting caught. This cot bed is not inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setup.
A less expensive alternative that will still provide your baby a comfortable night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away away easily too, fitting into a bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's a bit lighter than the average cot which means it might not be suitable for car camping but it should be fine for apartment living or for those who don't want to move their cot around too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they are around four years old. cots to tots liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist toddler bed and create an atmosphere of cocoons with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation, so that your baby cannot easily move out. Some cots include extra features such as teething rails and drawers under the bed, which can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for safety. There is an extension kit available that can transform it to a larger bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is an excellent choice for those on a limited budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height of your baby as he grows. It fits most standard cot mattress and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It will last until your child reach the age of three. It also folds flat and has lockable wheels, making it portable if you need to move it from room to room.
The cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is one of the lightest cots we test at 6kg. It is also very durable, with strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the quality and durability make it worth the investment.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't forget the design. It's crucial to select a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot 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 does not have the bulky look that these beds can often come with. It's got plenty of storage space, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the side. Our mother tested it and found it to be sturdy and robust and has three positions of base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a stylish panel design that would suit any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they are six years older. It transforms into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the only cot beds we tested that has an opening with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it an excellent choice for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.
Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. Our mum testers loved its clever features and the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothing. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to build, with all pieces being clearly labelled and easy to follow instructions. It is also an excellent option for those with limited space as it can be rolled up and collapsed. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) 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. old.
Convertibility
If you're a new parent, there are plenty of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, ensuring they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
Although most cots can be converted into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit, some cot beds are designed to go beyond this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) and it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability that will last from birth through the time of their childhood.
It's a bit pricey when compared to other cot beds we test, but it comes with a premium look and feel that will suit any nursery. The instructions could be more simple, but our parents testers were impressed by how easy it was to construct and install. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still a breeze and took just 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade from the three standard 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 abilities. It comes with teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip on the top to keep it from being bit.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap, but it offers an excellent value, because it will last until they reach toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with a one-year warranty and gives you peace of mind that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.