How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. This guide will help find the best choice for your baby.
A top-quality option that fits beautifully in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that will grow with your child, offering three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used throughout the preschool years or even beyond. The ones that can be turned into a bed are more expensive, but they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those who want a high-quality cot that will last for a long time. Our parent testers loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer, which mum tester Katrina felt was superior to less expensive cots with an integrated drawer, as well as a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to make it functional.
A more budget-friendly option that will still give your baby a comfortable night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The easy design and simple assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked easily, fitting into a carry bag that's as big as the carry case for a camp chair. It's a bit on the lightweight side and therefore may not be suitable for camping in the car however it's suitable to live in apartments or for those who don't plan to move their cot around for too long.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot we recommend particularly if you decide to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It can grow with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact that it can be converted into a minimal-looking toddler bed and gave the feeling of a cocoon with its 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 feel secure. Look for a robust design that includes safety bars or sides, as well as a solid base that your child can't easily climb out. Some cot beds include extra features such as teething rails and under-bed drawers which can help organize your home as your baby is growing.
Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still beautiful." Its classic design will fit in with any home and it's made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to give you peace of mind) and also has the option for an extension kit that takes it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's simple to put together and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. cot beds for sale is compatible with most cots with a standard mattress and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It'll keep your baby safe until they are around three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to the next.
This cot is lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around in. It is also very robust, with a sturdy frame that will be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. They also noted that the slats are spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the durability and functionality make it worth the investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when buying a cot-bed. It's crucial to select the cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the ideal bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek contemporary version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds usually come with. It's got plenty of space-saving storage such as an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.
Alternately alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has an elegant panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It's designed to last until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a few cot beds that we've tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
Another option with a smart panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit the decor of your nursery. Our mom testers loved its clever features and the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It's also the easiest cot beds to put together. The components are clearly labelled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space because it can be flat-packed and collapsed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertability
There are a variety of baby necessities that you should consider as you become a new parent. But one of the most important is a quality cot bed. You want something that lasts as long as possible and will change with your child to provide them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Although most cots can be transformed into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit, some cots are made to go beyond this. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability and will last your child from birth through the age of.
It's not cheap compared to some of the other cot beds we've evaluated, but it offers an attractive appearance and feel that would be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could be more simple, but our parents testers were impressed by how easy it was for to construct and set up. This isn't a big issue however, since it was still a breeze and took just 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four mattress base heights. This is an upgrade over the three standard options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows since they may require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and level. It includes teething rails that are useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to keep it from being bit.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad tester. It's not expensive, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will take your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by one-year warranties which gives you confidence that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.