How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many essentials for babies to consider, a top crib bed is among the most important purchases. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your baby.
This high-end option works perfectly in Scandi style nursery. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that will grow with your child, with three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There's also a variety of options with different levels of durability and some convert into toddler beds that can be used throughout the preschool years and beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into beds are generally more expensive but the extra cost can be well-repaid in the event that you need a cot that lasts for a long time instead of just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous design and easy to assemble make it a great option for those who want an upscale cot that can last for a lifetime. Our parents loved 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, which mom tester Katrina found to be an improvement over cheaper cots that have an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic across the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. But at 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.
A more budget-friendly option that will still give your baby a good night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents loved the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be stored away easily too, fitting into a 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 around too often.
We suggest the SnuzKot as an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until approximately four years old and our dad tester liked the fact that it was able to transform into a minimal-looking toddler bed and created a cocoon-like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only meet UK safety standards, but also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design that includes sides or safety bars and an erect base that your child can't be able to climb out. Some cots include extra features, such as teething rails or drawers under the bed which can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still beautiful." Its classic design is suitable for all homes and it's made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to give you reassurance) and comes with an option to add an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice for those on a limited budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your baby grows. It can be used with standard mattress cots and is a good purchase for the money.
This is a fantastic option when you're in search of an expensive cot. It comes with four mattress base positions when in cot mode and will last until your child is about three years old. It folds flat and comes with locks on the wheels, making it extremely mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag and is among the lightest cots we tested at 6kg. It is also very robust with strong frame that can stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it a little challenging to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. They were impressed by the fact that the slats were spaced enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the quality and durability are worth the cost.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't overlook the design. The cot you choose for your baby will be in use for a long time so it's important to find one you like as well as is practical and functional.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the ideal bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek, modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds often have. It's packed with storage space-saving features and storage options, including a drawer that fits underneath the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. Our mother tested it and found it robust and durable, with the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to expand with your child.
Alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with an elegant panel design that would suit any nursery. It is designed to last until they reach the age of six old. It converts into a junior mattress, and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also one of the only cot beds we've tested with an opening 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 endure the test of time.
crib sets with a smart panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. Our mom testers loved its nifty features and the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It's also the easiest cot beds to assemble. The pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are simple to follow. It is also an excellent choice for those who have limited space as it can be flat-packed and then collapsed. It fits a standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit that allows it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. old.
Convertibility
If you're a new parent, there are plenty of essential items for babies to consider. 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 evolve with your child, so that they have a safe bed to sleep in.
While the majority of cots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go beyond this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, as it is designed to last through the years from birth until childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested however, its high-end appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent testers were awed by how easy it was for to construct and set up. This isn't a big issue, though, considering it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade from the three most common options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need a higher or lower base level based on their age and ability. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to guard it from being bitten.
The cot is available in several different Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was especially impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap, however it is a the best value for money since it will last through the toddler years and beyond. Additionally, it comes with an one-year guarantee, so you have assurance that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is a mattress, which isn't included.