How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. This guide will help you choose the right bed for your baby.
A premium option that will look great in Scandi-style nursery rooms. This sturdy and durable option 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 for every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of choices that come with different durations and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the preschool years or beyond. Obviously, the ones which convert into beds are generally more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off if you want an item that lasts for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those who want an excellent cot that will last for a lifetime. Our parent testers liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look beautiful in a contemporary nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer, which mom tester Katrina felt was an improvement over cheaper cots that have an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. The cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key to set up.
The cot for the Elementary is a more affordable option that can give your baby a good night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. Our parents loved the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be stored and easily tucked away into a bag that's as big as the carry case for a camp chair. It's a little light which means it might not be ideal for camping in the car, but it's a good choice for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot for too long.
The SnuzKot is an additional 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 an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation so that your baby is not able to get out. Some cots include extra features such as teething rails, or drawers under the bed that will help you stay organized while your baby grows.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still stunning." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and it's made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There is also an extension kit which can convert it to a larger bed when your child's ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It's easy to set up, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height of your baby as he grows. It is compatible with most standard cot mattresses and is a great purchase for the money.
This is an excellent choice when you're in search of a high-end cot. It has an impressive four mattress base positions in the cot position and will last until your baby is around three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to the next.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag and is among the lightest cots we test at 6kg. It's also extremely robust, with an extremely sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting stuck between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed but the quality and durability make it worth the investment.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but don't neglect the style. It's important that you choose the cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek, modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds often feature. It's got plenty of space-saving storage such as a drawer that fits underneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the sides. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base allows it to expand with your baby.
Alternatively you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a stylish panel design that will look great in any nursery. It's designed to last until they reach the age of six older. It can be converted into a junior mattress and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the only a handful of cot beds that we tested with the option of a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were impressed by its features. It is also one of the easiest cot beds to put together. The pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with limited space as it can be collapsed and flat-packed. It takes an ordinary cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child is 10 years of age.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as you can and evolve with your child so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
Although most cots can be transformed into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability and will last from birth until the age of.
It's not cheap compared to some of the other cot beds that we tested, but it has a premium design and feel that will fit in with any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed with how easy it was to set up and build, although they did note that the instructions could be clearer. This is not a major issue however, since it was still a breeze and took just 30 minutes to complete.
cot sales has four different base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade over the three most common options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need an upper or lower base level depending on their age and level. It comes with teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from becoming a bit.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors, and our dad tester was especially keen on the grey finish. It's not expensive, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will see your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty which gives you assurance that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing that you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.