How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to think about, choosing the ideal cot bed is one of the most important items to purchase. We've created this guide to assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
A top-quality option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child, offering three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also different options with different lifespans, some of which can be converted into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years or beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into a bed are generally more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it if you want an item that lasts for years rather than just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a top quality cot that will stand up to the test of time. Our testers for parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look beautiful in a contemporary nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was a better option than some cheaper cots that have an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic along the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to start it up.
The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that will provide your baby a peaceful night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were highly praised by our parents who tested it. The cot is foldable into a compact size and stored since it can fit into a bag the size of the one used for a camping chair. It's a bit on the lightweight side and therefore may not be ideal for car camping but it should be fine to live in apartments or for those who don't plan to move their cot around too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot for another cot for under $100, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until approximately four years old and our dad tester liked the fact it converted to an unassuming toddler bed and gave an ambiance of cocoons by incorporating a fabric canopy.
best rated cribs that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy design with sides or safety bars and solid foundations, so your baby can't easily get out. Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage that will aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby develops.
Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still beautiful." Its classic design will suit most homes and it's made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you reassurance) and comes with an option to add an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. great crib to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is an excellent purchase for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It can last until your child are about three years old. It folds flat and comes with lockable wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.
The cot is extremely light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that can handle boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a bit tricky to put together, but the instructions were clear and well-written. They also noted that the slats are far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the durability and functionality make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but don't forget the style. The cot you choose for your baby will be used for a long period of time, so it's essential to find one that you love as well as is functional and practical.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the best bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds often feature. It's got plenty of storage space such as the drawer that is built into the cot, as well as teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.
Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with an elegant panel design that will look great in any nursery. It's made to be used until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only a handful of cot beds that we tested with the option of a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with an elegant panel design. It is available in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed by its features. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those with limited space, as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertibility
If you're a newly-wed there are a myriad of essential items for babies to consider. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that will last for as long as it can and grow with your child, giving them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Although most cots can be converted to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit some cots are made to go beyond this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, as it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.
It's expensive when compared to other cot beds we've tested, but it has a premium look and feel that will fit in with any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent testers were impressed by how easy it was for them to build and install. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still very simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot has four different base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows, because they might require a lower or higher base level, based on their age and abilities. It comes with teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip at the top to prevent it from being bit.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors, and our dad tester was especially keen on the grey finish. It's not expensive but it's excellent value for money since it will see your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It's also covered by 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.