How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect choice for your baby.
A premium 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. It has three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are also different options with different lifespans, some of which can be converted into toddler beds to be used into the age of preschool or beyond. Naturally, those that convert into beds are generally more expensive, but the investment could be worth it when you're looking for an item that lasts for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design. It's a great choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality cot that will stand the test of time. Our testers for parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina considered to be an excellent alternative to less expensive cots that have 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 stuck. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately, this bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to get it up and running.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that will provide your baby a good night's rest. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. Our testers with parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and easy assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be tucked away easily too, fitting into a bag that's the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not ideal for camping in the car however it's suitable for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist toddler bed, and also create the feeling of a cocoon with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A good cot is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides and a solid base so that your baby is not able to move out. Some cots have additional features such as teething rails, or under-bed storage drawers that will aid you in staying organized as your baby develops.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still stunning." Its traditional style will suit most homes and it's made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure security. There's an extension kit available which can convert it to a larger bed when your child's ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a great option if you're on a budget. It's easy to put together 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 can be used with standard mattress cots and is a great buy for the money.
This is a great choice when you're in search of a high-end cot. It comes with four mattress positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is around three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to another.
The cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is one of the smallest cots we've tested at 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy and has a strong frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. The slats were set apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the durability and functionality are worth the cost.
cots and tots
When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't forget the style. The cot you choose for your baby will be used for a long period of time, so it's essential to find one that you enjoy as well as is functional and practical.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the perfect cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the traditional sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types of cots can provide. It's packed with space-saving storage such as the drawer that is built into the cot and teething rails on the side. Our mother test subject found it to be robust and durable and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that can fit in with any nursery. It is designed to last your child until they reach the age of six old. It can be converted into a junior mattress and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the few cot beds we've tested with a draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a good option for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has a panelled design. It is available in a range of colors to match the decor of your nursery. Our mom testers loved its unique features including the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It is also one of the easiest cot bed to assemble. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with limited space because it can be rolled up and collapsed. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit that allows it to be used up until your child is 10 years old. of age.
Convertability
There are a lot of baby essentials that you must consider when a new parent. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child so that they have a secure place to sleep.
While the majority of cots can be made into toddler beds by 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 a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm), the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, since it should see your child through from birth to childhood.
It's a bit pricey when compared to other cot beds we test, but it comes with an attractive appearance and feel that would fit in with any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was them to build and install. This is a minor flaw however, as it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another impressive aspect of this cot is that it has four mattress heights for the base that are an improvement on the three most popular options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child grows. They might require an upper or lower base level, based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip that runs along the top to shield it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will last your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It's also covered by a 1-year warranty so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is a mattress that's not included.