How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. We've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect choice for your little one.
A premium option that is perfect for nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. This sturdy and durable option will grow with your child with three mattress positions and the ability remove the sides to create a stylish bench style toddler bed.
Budget
There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There are also a range of options with different levels of durability and even convert into toddler beds to be used through the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be turned into beds are more expensive, however they will last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it an ideal choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. Our parent testers appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom 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 that runs along the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at over PS599 with a mattress sold separately, this bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to make it functional.
A more affordable option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is foldable down and stored easily because it fits in bags that are similar to that used for a camping chair. 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.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot that we recommend, especially if you choose to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they are around four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed, and also create an atmosphere of cocoons with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and feel secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby cannot easily get out. Some cots come with extra features like teething rails or drawers under the bed that can help you stay organized while your baby develops.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There is an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed once your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice when you're on a tight budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options which allows you to adjust the height as your baby grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a great value buy for the money.
If you're looking for a top cot, this is a great choice. It comes with four mattress base positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. It also folds flat and has lockable wheels, making it very mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
The cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've test at 6kg. It's also extremely robust, with a sturdy frame that will withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. They noted that the slats are sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than some of the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the investment for its durability and functionality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when you are buying a cot bed. It is essential to choose the cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
cots to tots is the best cot for design lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh design does not have the bulky feel that these types of cots can provide. It has plenty of storage space and storage options, including the drawer that is built into the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.
If you prefer alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a stylish panel design that will look great in any nursery. It's made to last until they are six years old. It converts into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the cot beds that we tested to have a draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it an excellent choice for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with an elegant panel design. It is available in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed with the features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds for parents to build, with all pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great option for those with limited space as it can be flat-packed and rolled down. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertibility
If you're a new parent, there are plenty of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, so that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
While most cots can be transformed to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It converts into an infant (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) as well as it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice and will last your child from birth through the time of their childhood.
It's a bit pricey when compared to other cot beds we test, but it comes with an elegant look and feel that will fit in with any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed with how easy it was to build and set up however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This is a minor fault however, since it was still very simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another impressive aspect of this cot is that it has four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three most popular options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need an upper or lower base level depending on their age and abilities. It comes with teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from getting bitten.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad test-driver. It's not inexpensive but it's great value for money as it will last your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by an assurance of one year so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.