How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many essentials for babies to consider, the best cot bed is one of the most important purchases. We've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect choice for your little one.
A top-quality option that fits beautifully in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When you think of cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also a range of options that offer different levels of durability, with some converting into toddler beds that can be used throughout the preschool years and beyond. Naturally, those that convert into beds are generally more expensive, but the investment could be worth it in the event that you need a cot that will last for many years, not just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality cot that will stand up to the years. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina found to be an improvement over cheaper cots that come with an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. However, at over PS599 with a mattress sold separately this bed isn't cheap, and it does require an Allen key to make it functional.
A less expensive option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our testers with parents loved the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be stored and easily tucked away into a bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's a little lighter than the average cot which means it might not be suitable for camping in the car but it's a good choice for living in an apartment or for those who don't want to move their cot around all the time.
We suggest the SnuzKot as an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact it converted to a minimal-looking toddler bed and created the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation, so that your baby is not able to move out. Some cot beds will also come with extra features, such as teething rails and under-bed drawers, which can help you keep things organised while your baby is growing.
Parent test subject Becki says her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still beautiful." Its classic design will fit in with any home and is made of sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure safety. There is Baby Crib 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 tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It can be used with standard cot mattresses and is a good purchase for the money.
This is a fantastic option if you are looking for a high-end cot. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It will keep your baby safe until they are around three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to another.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy, with a strong frame that can withstand noisy toddlers. Our testers found it a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were clear and well-written. They were impressed by the fact that the slats are sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than some of the other cots that we looked at however, it's worth the price for its durability and utility.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't neglect the style. It's important that you choose a cot that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the best cot for those who love design. Its sleek, modern take on the classic sleigh design isn't as bulky that these types can have. It's packed with space-saving storage and storage options, including the drawer that is built into the cot as well as rails for teething on the sides. Our mom tester found it to be sturdy and robust, with a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that is perfect for any nursery. It's designed to last until your child reaches six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cot beds that we have tested with an apex drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has an elegant panel design. It comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were awed by its features. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to put together. The components are clearly labeled and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with limited space because it can be rolled up and rolled down. 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 old. older.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials that you must consider when the new parent. But one of the most important is a quality cot bed - you want something that will last for as long as you can and grow with your child to provide them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which can be converted into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice and will last your child from birth through the age of.
It's a little more expensive than the other cot beds we tested however, its high-end design and feel will look great in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed by how simple it was to put together and construct, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This is a minor fault, however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need a higher or lower base level based on their age and level. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to guard it from biting.
This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors, and our dad tester was especially impressed by the grey finish. It's not inexpensive however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty and gives you peace of mind that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.