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 locate the ideal bed for your little one.
A high-quality bed that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. This sturdy and durable choice can grow with your baby with three mattress positions, and the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years or even beyond. Naturally, those that convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the investment can really pay off in the event that you need an item that lasts for years rather than just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its stunning aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those who want a high-quality cot that will last for a lifetime. Best cot for newborn and warm finish is perfect for the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina considered to be an excellent alternative to cheaper cots which have a drawer built-in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately, this bed isn't cheap, and it does require an Allen key to start it up.
The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that will give your baby a comfortable night's sleep. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our testers with parents loved the simple design and simple assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked easily, fitting into a carry bag that's about the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's a little lighter than the average cot which means it might not be suitable for car camping however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't intend to move their cot for too long.
We recommend the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your child until they're approximately four years old and our dad testers loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimal-looking toddler bed and gave the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Find a sturdy style with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your baby is not able to move out. Some cot beds come with extra features like teething rails and under-bed drawers which can help organize your home as your baby is growing.
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 unlocked for security. There's also an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed when your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattress and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great choice. It offers four mattress base positions in the cot position and will last until your child is three years old. It folds flat and has locking wheels, making it extremely mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is among the lightest cots we test at 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can handle boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. The slats were set apart to avoid fingers getting stuck between them. It's also more expensive than some of the other cots that we looked at however, it's worth the cost for its durability and functionality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when purchasing a cot-bed. It's crucial to select a cot that is both practical and attractive.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the ideal 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 feel that these types of beds usually feature. It has plenty of space-saving storage and storage options, including a drawer that fits underneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it expand with your baby.
Alternately, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a stylish panel design that would suit any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they reach six years old. older. It converts into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cot beds that we've tested with an apex drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed with the features. It is also one of the easiest cot bed to put together. All the pieces are clearly labeled and the instructions are easy to follow. It is also an excellent alternative for those with limited space because it can be folded flat and rolled down. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for children from birth through toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertability
When you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby essentials to think about. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you want something that lasts as long as possible and will grow with your child to give them a safe and secure place to sleep.
While the majority of cots can be transformed to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable pick, as it will last your child from birth to the age of.
It's a bit pricey compared to some of the other cot beds we've test, but it comes with an elegant look and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents were amazed by how easy it was to put together and construct, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This is a minor flaw, though, considering it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another great feature of this cot is that it has four mattress heights for the base that are an improvement on the three most common options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows as they may need a lower or higher base level based on their age and level. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to guard it from biting.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad tester. It's not inexpensive, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will see your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with a one-year warranty, so you have peace of mind that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.