How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the ideal bed for your little one.
A top-quality option that fits beautifully in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a durable and sturdy 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 a myriad of options that have 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 tend to be more expensive, but the investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that lasts for years rather than just the duration of a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its luxurious aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it a great option for those looking for an excellent cot that will last for a long time. This model's minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look fantastic in the Scandi nursery. The cot bed also has a drawer, which mum tester Katrina found to be an improvement over cheaper cots that have an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately the crib isn't cheap. It does require an Allen key to start it up.
The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that will provide your baby a peaceful night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. Our testers with parents liked the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be stored and easily tucked away into a bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not the best choice for car camping but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot too much.
We suggest the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your baby until they are around four years old. Our father tester liked the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed and create a cocoon like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but also feel sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy design with sides or safety bars and a solid base to ensure that your child is unable to be able to climb out. Some cot beds will also have additional features, such as teething rails and under-bed drawers, which can help you organize your home while your little one is growing.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure safety. There is also an extension kit available which can convert it to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is an excellent choice for those with a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options which allows you to adjust the height of your baby as he grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattress and is a great purchase for the price.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It'll last your baby until they reach the age of three. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to the next.
This cot is lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a great bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable, with strong frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. They noted that the slats are sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when purchasing a cot-bed. mini cot beds will be used for a long time so it's essential to find one that you love as well as is practical and useful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal cot bed for design lovers with its sleek contemporary design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds can often feature. It's got plenty of space-saving storage, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the side. Our mom test subject found it to be solid and sturdy, with three positions of base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
If you prefer you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a stylish panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It is designed to last your child until they are six years old. It transforms into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we tested that has draw, a hanging rail and teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it an excellent choice for parents who want their cot bed to last for a long time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with panels. It comes in a variety of colors to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed by its features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to put together, with all the pieces clearly labeled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It is also an excellent choice for those who have little space since it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. older.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials that you should consider as a new parent. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and grow with your child, ensuring that they have a safe place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for toddlers. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) and it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, as it should see your child through childhood to.
It's a bit pricey compared to some of the other cot beds we test, but it comes with an elegant appearance and feel that would be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could have been more clear, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was them to build and install. This is not a major issue however, since it was still very simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique 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 grows, as they may need an upper or lower base level based on their age and level. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip that runs along the top to shield it from biting.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad's testers. It's not expensive but it's great value for money as it will last your child through to the age of toddler 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.