How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. This guide has been created to help find the best choice for your baby.
This high-end option works perfectly in Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option will grow with your child with three mattress positions and the ability to take the sides off to create a chic bench style toddler bed.
Budget
When you think of cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used into the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be transformed into a bed are more expensive, but they'll last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous aesthetics and simple to assemble design makes it a fantastic choice for those who want a high-quality cot that will last a lifetime. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. The cot bed also has a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was superior to cheaper cots that come with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. The cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key to set up.
A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a comfy night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were highly praised by our parents who tested it. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked away easily too, fitting into a bag that's as big as the carry case of a camping chair. It's a little on the lightweight side, meaning it may not be ideal for camping in the car but it's a good choice to live in apartments or for those who don't want to move their cot all the time.
The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest particularly if you decide to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed, and also created a cocoon-like feeling by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby cannot easily get out. Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails, or drawers for under-bed storage which can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.
Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its classic design will fit in with any home and it's made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to give you reassurance) and has an option of an extension kit that can take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish and simple cot is a great choice if you're on a budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a great buy for the money.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this is a good choice. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It will last until your child reach the age of three. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to another.
The cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is among the lightest cots we tested, weighing just 6kg. It is also very durable and has strong frame that can stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. Our test subjects found it a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the durability and function make it worth the investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when purchasing a cot-bed. Your baby's cot will be used for a long time so it's essential to find one you like and also is practical and functional.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the ideal bed for design-lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh style isn't as bulky that these cots are known for. It also offers storage space and features an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, plus teething rails that can be affixed to the side of the. Our mom tester found it to be solid and sturdy with a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with an elegant panel design that will fit in with any nursery. It's designed to be used until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the only a few cot beds that we've tested with the option of a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with panels. It comes in a variety of colours to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed with its features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with little space since it can be flat-packed and then collapsed. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. of age.
nursery cots
There are a lot of baby essentials that you must consider when the new parent. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as you can and grow with your child, so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for toddlers. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, because it will last your child through from birth to childhood.
It's a bit pricey when compared to other cot beds that we test, but it comes with an attractive look and feel that will fit in with any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent test subjects were impressed with the ease with which it was for to construct and install. This is a minor fault however, since it was still a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot has four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade over the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need a higher or lower base level based on their age and abilities. It includes teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip on the top to stop it from getting bitten.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad's testers. It is not cheap however it is a great value as it will last through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to purchase an additional mattress, which is not included.