How to Choose the Best Cot Bed


The best cot bed is an absolute essential item for any baby. This guide has been created to help you choose the right bed for your baby.

This top-quality option is perfect to be used in Scandi style nursery. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child, offering three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different amounts of longevity and even convert into toddler beds to be used into the age of preschool and beyond. Of course, the ones which convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it in the event that you need an item that lasts for a long time instead of just a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design making it a great choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality cot that will stand up to the test of time. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish is perfect for an Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was a better choice than some cheaper cots with a drawer built in. It also has an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting caught. This cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key to set up.

A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a comfortable night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents liked the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored away easily too, fitting into a bag that's as big as the carry case of a camping chair. It's not the best choice for car camping, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot a lot.

We recommend the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they reach four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be converted into a minimalist toddler bed and create an atmosphere of cocoons with its fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is safe and sturdy should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and feel secure. Choose a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides and a solid base that your child can't be able to climb out. Some cots come with extra features like teething rails and drawers under the bed which can help keep things organised while your little one is growing.

Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still stunning." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and is 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 to a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for safety. There is also an extension kit available which can convert it to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.

This simple but stylish cot is a great choice for those with a tight budget. It's easy to set up, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options which allows you to adjust the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most standard mattress cots and is a good buy for the price.

This is a fantastic option if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It'll keep your baby safe until they reach the age of three. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it portable to move it from one room to another.

Baby Cot Bed is extremely light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It is also very durable, with strong frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little challenging. The slats were set apart to keep fingers from getting trapped between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the durability and function make it worth the investment.

Design

It's easy to overlook the design when buying a cot-bed. It's crucial to select a cot that is both practical and attractive.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds usually feature. It's got plenty of storage space-saving features and storage options, including a drawer that fits underneath the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.

The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that will suit any nursery. It is made to last until they reach six years old. old. It can be converted into a junior mattress and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the cot beds that we tested to have an opening with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.

Another option with a smart panelled 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 nifty features including the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also one of the easiest cot beds for parents to build, with all pieces being clearly labelled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space as it can be rolled up and collapsed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used up to 10 years of age.

Convertability

If you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, ensuring that they have a secure place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which can be converted into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, as it should see your child through childhood to.

It's a bit more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried, but its premium look and feel will fit in any nursery. Our parents were impressed by how simple it was to build and set up however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This isn't a big issue but it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

This cot has four different mattress base heights. This is an improvement over the three standard options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They might require a higher or lower base level, based on their age and abilities. It includes teething rails which are helpful as well as a plastic strip on the top to keep it from becoming a bit.

This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was particularly attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not inexpensive however it offers excellent value for money since it will last your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress that's not included.