How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. This guide will help find the best choice for your baby.
A premium option that will look great in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a sturdy and durable option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used in the preschool years or even beyond. Naturally, those which convert into beds are generally more expensive, but the investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that lasts for many years, not just the duration of a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent option for parents who want a top quality cot that will stand up to the test of time. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina found to be a better option than some cheaper cots that have an integrated drawer, as well as a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. However, at over PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to get it up and running.
The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that will provide your baby a peaceful night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parents who tested it. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored and easily tucked away into a bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's not ideal for car camping however it's suitable for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot around too often.
We suggest the SnuzKot as an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly if 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 dad tester liked that it could be transformed into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and also create a cocoon like feeling with its 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. Look for a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your baby cannot easily get out. Some cot beds come with extra features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you organize your home as your baby is growing.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its traditional design is suitable for all homes and it's made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about your purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide reassurance) and has an option for an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's easy to assemble and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. recommended cribs comes with three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It can be used with standard cot mattresses and is a great purchase for the money.
This is an excellent choice when you're in search of an extremely high-end cot. best cots offers four mattress base positions in cot mode, and will last until your baby is around three years old. It can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot is very lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a great bag for traveling. It is also very durable and has a sturdy frame that will withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little challenging. They noted that the slats are far enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It's also more expensive than the other cots we reviewed however, it's worth the cost for its durability and functionality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when purchasing a cot-bed. Your baby's cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that you love and is also functional and practical.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic bed is the perfect cot for design lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh design isn't as bulky that these types of cots can provide. It's packed with storage space-saving features such as an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it expand with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that can suit any nursery. It's designed to last until your child reaches six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we tested to have an opening with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it a great option for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with an elegant panel design. It is available in a variety of colours to match the decor of your nursery. Our mom testers were impressed by its nifty features and the storage drawer being especially useful for storing bedding and clothing. It is also one of the easiest cot bed to assemble. All the pieces are clearly labelled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space as it can be flat-packed and collapsed. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit that allows it to be used until your child is 10 years of age.
Convertibility
There are a variety of baby necessities you need to think about as you become a new parent. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You need something that will last for as long as it can and will change with your child to give them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for toddlers. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, since it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.
It's not cheap when compared to other cot beds we've test, but it comes with an elegant look and feel that will fit in with any nursery. Our parents who tested it were amazed by how easy it was to build and set up but they did say that the instructions could be clearer. This is not a major issue however, as it was still very simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot has four different base heights for mattresses. This is an improvement over the three most common options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need an upper or lower base level depending on their age and ability. It comes with teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from becoming a bit.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was particularly impressed by the grey finish. It is not cheap but it offers great value since it will last through the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by a one-year warranty which gives you peace of mind that it's durable and durable. The only thing you'll need to buy an additional mattress, which isn't included.