How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your baby.
A top-quality option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nursery rooms. This sturdy and durable choice 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 options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used throughout the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be transformed into a bed are more expensive, however they'll last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those who want an upscale cot that can last for a lifetime. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed also has a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was a better option than some cheaper cots that have a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. This cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key to set up.
The Elementary cot is a less expensive option that can give your baby a peaceful night's rest. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our parents loved the simple design and simple assembly. The cot is foldable into a compact size and stored as it fits into bags that are similar to that used for a camping chair. It's a bit on the lightweight side and therefore may not be ideal for car camping however it's suitable to live in apartments or for those who don't want to move their cot around all the time.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot we recommend, especially if you choose to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach four years old. Our dad tester loved the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed, and also create an atmosphere of cocoons with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and secure. Look for a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation so that your baby is not able to climb out. Some cot beds have additional features, such as teething rails and drawers under the bed that can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still beautiful." Its traditional style is suitable for all homes and it's made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open for peace of mind) and also has the option of an extension kit that takes it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a good choice when you're on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. try what he says comes with three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most standard crib mattresses and is a good buy for the price.
This is a fantastic option if you are looking for an expensive cot. It comes with four mattress base positions when in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. It also can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.
This cot is light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It's also extremely durable and has strong frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our test subjects found it a bit tricky to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. They were impressed by the fact that the slats are far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the durability and functionality are worth the cost.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style 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 perfect bed for those who love design, with its sleek modern version of the traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds often have. It also offers storage space, and comes with a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, and teething rails that can be affixed to the side of the. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that will suit any nursery. It is designed to last until they reach six years old. old. It can be converted into a junior mattress and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested to have a draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it an excellent option for parents who want their cot bed to last for a long time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with panels. It comes in a variety of colors to complement your nursery's decor. Our mom testers were impressed by its clever features, with the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to put together, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It can be used with the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. old.
Convertibility
There are a variety of baby necessities that you must consider when you become a new parent. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that lasts for as long as it can and will change with your child to give them a safe and secure place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for children. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, as it will last your child through the years from birth until childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium look and feel will fit in any nursery. The instructions could have been more precise, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was for them to build and set up. This isn't a big issue but it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another impressive feature of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three most common options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child gets older, since they may require an upper or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It comes with teething rails that are useful and a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from becoming a bit.
This cot comes in several different Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was impressed by the grey finish. It's not expensive, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will last your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is a mattress which isn't included.