How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for any baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you choose the perfect choice for your baby.

A high-quality bed that is perfect for nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a sturdy and durable option that grows with your child, offering three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There are also different options with different lifespans and some of them can be converted into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years or even beyond. The ones that can be turned into beds are more expensive, but they will last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality cot that will stand the years. The sleek design and warm finish will look great in a Scandi nursery. The cot bed also comes with a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina felt was an improvement over less expensive cots with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. However, at over PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately this crib isn't cheap. It does require an Allen key to get it up and running.

A less expensive alternative that will still provide your baby a good night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and simple assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked away easily too, fitting into a carry bag that's the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's not the best choice for car camping but it's perfect for apartment life or those who don't need to move 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 can grow with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact that it was able to transform into an unassuming toddler bed and created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.

Safety

A good cot must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your child is unable to move out. Some cot beds have additional features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you organize your life while your little one is growing.

Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still beautiful." Its classic design will suit most homes and it's made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to give you reassurance) and also has the option of an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.

This stylish and simple cot is a great choice when you're on a tight budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is a great buy for the price.

This is a fantastic option when you're in search of an expensive cot. It offers four mattress base positions when in cot mode and will last until your baby is about three years old. It folds flat and comes with lockable wheels, making it extremely convenient to move it from room to room.

This cot is very light at just 6kg, and comes with a great bag to carry it around in. It's also very sturdy and has a strong frame that'll stand up to boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a little difficult. The slats were set apart to avoid fingers getting stuck between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the durability and function make it worth the investment.

Design

When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but don't neglect the style. It is essential to choose a cot that is both practical and attractive.

The icklebubba Snowdon Classic bed is the perfect bed for design-lovers. Its sleek, modern version of the classic sleigh design doesn't have that bulky feeling that these types of cots can provide. It also offers storage space, and comes with a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, and teething rails that can be attached to the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.

Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has an elegant panel design that will look great in any nursery. It is designed to last until they are six years older. It converts into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we tested to have a draw, a hanging rail and teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it a great option for parents who want their cot bed to last for a long time.

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. Our mum testers loved its nifty features and the drawer for storage being particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also the most simple cot beds to assemble. The components are clearly labeled and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with limited space as it can be rolled up and rolled down. It's 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 old.


nursery cots

There are a variety of baby necessities that you must consider when a new parent. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last as long as you can and grow with your child so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.

Although most cots can be converted into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit, some cots are made to go further than this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last from birth to the age of.

It's more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried however its superior look and feel will fit in any nursery. Our parent testers were really amazed by how easy it was to put together and construct, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue, however, as it was still a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

Another great characteristic of this cot is that it comes with four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three standard options. This allows you to adjust it as your child gets older, since they may require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and abilities. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to shield it from being bitten.

The grey finish was the preferred of our dad's testers. It is not cheap but it's a the best value for money since it will last your child through the toddler years and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.