How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many essentials for babies to consider, a top crib bed is among the most important items to purchase. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect bed for your little one.
A high-quality bed that is perfect for nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a durable and sturdy choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are also different options that have different lifespans some of which 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, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those looking for an upscale cot that can last for a lifetime. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was more suitable than cheaper cots which have a drawer built in. It also has an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately the cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to get it up and running.
The cot for the Elementary is a cheaper option that will give your baby a good night's sleep. Full File of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were praised by our parents who tested it. The cot is small when folded and can be stored away easily too, fitting into a carry bag that's about the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car, but should be fine for apartment life or those who don't need to move their cot a lot.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot we recommend particularly if you decide to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your child until around four years old, and our dad testers loved the fact it converted to an unassuming toddler bed and created an ambiance of cocoons by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design that has safety bars or sides and solid foundations that your child can't easily get out. Some cots 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.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide peace of mind) and comes with an option to add an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great choice for those on a limited budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.
This is an excellent choice when you're in search of a high-end cot. It offers four mattress base positions when in cot mode and will last until your child is about three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to another.
This cot is lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a handy bag for traveling. It is also very robust, with strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a little challenging. They noted that the slats are enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when purchasing a cot-bed. It's important that you choose a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these beds often have. It's got plenty of storage space-saving features, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the side. Our mom test subject found it sturdy and robust, with the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in an elegant panel design that will be suitable for any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they reach six years old. old. It transforms into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cots that we have 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 is available in several color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were impressed with its features. It's also the easiest cot beds to put together. The components are clearly labeled and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with little space since it can be rolled up and collapsed. It fits the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child is 10 years old.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent there are a myriad of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important is a quality cot bed. You want something that lasts for as long as you can and will grow with your child, giving them a safe and secure place to sleep.
Although most cots can be transformed into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted to an infant (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) and the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice and will last your child from birth until childhood.
It's a bit pricey compared to some of the other cot beds we test, but it comes with an attractive appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. The instructions could have been more clear, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was for them to build and put up. This is a minor fault however, as it was still very simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
Another great characteristic of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child gets older, because they might require a higher or lower base level depending on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to guard it from biting.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was especially impressed by the grey finish. It's not inexpensive but it's excellent value for money since it will take your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.