How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to consider, a top cot bed is among the most important purchases. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your baby.
This top-quality option is perfect to be used in Scandi style nurseries. 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 chic bench style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There's also a variety of options that offer various levels of longevity and some convert into toddler beds for use throughout the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be converted into a bed are more expensive, but they will last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous aesthetics and simple to assemble design makes it a fantastic choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last for a long time. cots 4 tots loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. This cot bed comes with a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina thought was a better option than some less expensive cots with an integrated drawer, as well as an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. However, at over PS599 with a mattress sold separately, this crib isn't cheap. It requires an Allen key to make it functional.
A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a comfy night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents liked the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored as it fits into a bag the size of the one used to store the camping chair. It's not the best choice for car camping, but should be fine for apartment life or those who won't be moving their cot too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot as an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked that it could be transformed into a minimalist-looking toddler bed and create a cocoon like feeling by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but also feel solid and secure. Look for a robust design with sides or safety bars and a solid base that your child can't easily get out. Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you organize your home while your little one is growing.
The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you peace of mind) and has an option for an extension kit that takes it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great choice for those on a tight budget. It's easy to assemble and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattress and is a great purchase for the price.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It has an impressive four mattress base positions when in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. It also folds flat and comes with locking wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag and is among the lightest cots we tested, weighing just 6kg. It is also very durable with a sturdy frame that will stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little challenging to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were spaced sufficiently 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 worth the investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when you are buying a cot bed. It's important that you choose a cot that is both functional and beautiful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the perfect bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek contemporary version of the traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these beds usually have. It's got plenty of space-saving storage, including a drawer that fits underneath the cot and teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that can be suitable for any nursery. It is made to last until they reach the age of six old. It converts into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cot beds that we've tested with the option of a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has a panelled design. It comes in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were awed by the features. 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 who have a limited space, as it can be collapsed and then flat-packed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertability
If you're a newly-wed, there are plenty of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, ensuring that they have a safe bed to sleep in.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for children. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms into an infant 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, since it is designed to last through the years from birth until childhood.
It's not cheap when compared to other cot beds that we test, but it comes with an elegant 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 the ease with which it was for to construct and install. This is a minor flaw but it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique aspect of this cot is that it has four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three most popular options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows as they may need a higher or lower base level, based on their age and level. It comes with teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip at the top to keep it from becoming a bit.
The cot is available in several different Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not cheap but it's great value for money as it will last your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranties which gives you confidence that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing that you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.