How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute essential item for any baby. We've created this guide to help you choose the right bed for your baby.
A high-quality bed that fits beautifully in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. This sturdy and durable choice will grow with your child, with three mattress positions, and the ability to take the sides off to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options with different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds to be used throughout the age of preschool and beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into a bed tend to be more expensive, but the investment could be worth it when you're looking for a cot that lasts for years rather than just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. mini cot beds and simple to assemble design make it a great option for those who want a high-quality cot that will last for a lifetime. Our parent testers liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed also comes with a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina felt was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to start it up.
A less expensive alternative that will still provide your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parent testers. The cot is foldable down and stored easily since it can fit into a bag the size of the one used to store a camping chair. It's not the best choice for car camping, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot around too often.
The SnuzKot is another good budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they're around four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact that it can be converted into a minimal-looking toddler bed, and also created an ambiance of cocoons by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Look for a robust design that includes safety bars or sides and solid foundations, so your baby can't easily climb out. Some cots have additional features such as teething rails, or under-bed storage drawers that will help you stay organized while your baby develops.
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 open for safety. There's also an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed once your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is an excellent choice for those on a limited budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a good choice. It comes with four mattress positions in cot mode, and will last until your baby is around three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from one room to another.
This cot is very light at just 6kg, and comes with a great bag for traveling. It's also very sturdy, with a strong frame that can handle boisterous toddlers. Our test subjects found it a little challenging to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to prevent fingers from getting trapped between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the durability and functionality are worth the cost.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't overlook the design. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long time, so it's important to find one that you enjoy and is also practical and useful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal cot bed for design lovers with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds usually feature. It also doesn't skimp on storage space, and comes with an extra drawer that slides under the cot, plus teething rails that can be connected to the side of the. Our mom test subject found it to be robust and durable, with a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternately alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has an elegant panel design that will look great in any nursery. It's designed to last until they are six years older. It converts into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested to have an opening, a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great option for parents who want their cot bed to last for a long time.
Another option with a sleek panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several colour options to coordinate with the decor of your nursery. Our mum testers loved its clever features and the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It is also one of the easiest cot beds to assemble. The pieces are clearly labelled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those with a small space, as it can be folded and flat-packed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used up to 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as the new parent. 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 that they have a safe place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for children. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted to an infant (L207cm, W147cm H90cm), a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice that will last your child from birth through childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed by how simple it was to build and set up however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This is a minor fault however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade over the three most popular options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip on the top to protect it from biting.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was keen on the grey finish. It's not inexpensive but it's an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress, which isn't included.