How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for any baby. This guide will help you choose the right bed for your baby.
This premium option fits perfectly it perfectly Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option can expand with your baby, with three mattress positions and the ability to take the sides off to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When you think of cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options that offer different levels of durability, with some converting into toddler beds that can be used into the age of preschool and beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off when you're looking for a cot that will last for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent option for parents who want an extremely high-quality cot that will stand the test of time. Our 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 an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was an excellent alternative to cheaper cots which have a drawer built in. It also has an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot bed is not expensive, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
A less expensive option that still gives your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents loved the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, since it can fit into bags similar to that used for a camping chair. It's not ideal for car camping but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot a lot.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot that we recommend, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they are around four years old. Our dad tester loved that it could be transformed into a minimalist toddler bed, and also create the feeling of a cocoon with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides, and a solid base so that your baby is not able to get out. Some cots include extra features such as teething rails, or drawers for under-bed storage that will 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 feel confident about the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure security. There is also an extension kit available that can transform it to a full-sized bed once your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice for those on a tight budget. It's simple to put together and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options that allow you to alter the height as your child grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a good purchase for the money.
This is a great choice if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It has an impressive four mattress base positions in the cot position and will last until your baby is about three years old. It also can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with handy travel bag, and is one of the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy, with a strong frame that can withstand noisy toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a little difficult. cribs were impressed by the fact that the slats are spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't forget the design. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the best bed for those who appreciate design, with its sleek modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds often feature. It's packed with storage space-saving features and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the side. Our mom tested it and found it to be solid and sturdy and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in an elegant panel design that will suit any nursery. It's designed to last until they are six years older. It can be converted into a junior mattress and then into an elegant sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cot beds that we tested with a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has an elegant panel design. It is available in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It's also the easiest cot beds to put together. All the pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are simple to follow. It is also an excellent option for those with little space since it can be rolled up and collapsed. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit that permits it to be used until your child turns 10 years old. older.
Convertability
There are a lot of baby essentials that you must consider when you become 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 grow with your child to give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for toddlers. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into an infant (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, because it is designed to last through the years from birth until childhood.
It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tried however its superior design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent testers were impressed by the ease with which it was for them to build and install. This is not a major issue however, since it was incredibly simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
Another great characteristic of this cot is that it has four mattress heights for the base which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need a higher or lower base level based on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to protect it from biting.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad tester. It's not cheap however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty so you can be sure it will last. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.