How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for any baby. We've put together this guide to help you find the ideal bed for your little one.
A premium option that fits beautifully in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. This sturdy and durable choice will grow with your child with three mattress positions, and the ability remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different levels of durability, with some converting into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years and beyond. Naturally, those which convert into beds are generally more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it in the event that you need an item that lasts for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its elegant design and simple design, making it an excellent choice for those who want an excellent cot that will stand up to the test of time. Our testers for parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was an excellent alternative to cheaper cots with 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 caught. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately, this cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to start it up.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that will provide your baby a good night's rest. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. Our parents loved the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, because it fits in bags that are similar to the one used to store a camping chair. It's a bit lighter than the average cot and therefore may not be ideal for car camping however it's suitable for living in an apartment or for those who don't intend to move their cot for too long.
The SnuzKot is a good affordable cot that we suggest particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact that it was able to transform into an unassuming toddler bed and gave the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid base so that your baby cannot easily climb out. Some cot beds have additional features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib which can help organize your life as your baby is growing.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still stunning." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and is made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There's also an extension kit which can convert it to a full-sized bed once your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is an excellent choice for those on a tight 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 child grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.
This is a fantastic option when you're in search of a high-end cot. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It can last until your child reach the age of three. It folds flat and has lockable wheels, making it very mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
The cot is extremely light at only 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It's also extremely durable and has an extremely sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it a little difficult to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. They were impressed by the fact that the slats are sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than the other cots we reviewed, but it is worth the cost for its longevity and practicality.
cots and tots
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't neglect the design. It is essential to choose a cot that is both functional and beautiful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the best bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds usually come with. cots and tots 's got plenty of storage space and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.
Alternatively you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a smart panelled look that is perfect for any nursery. It's designed to last until your child reaches six years old, converting first into a junior bed, and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we've tested with an opening with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot bed to endure the test of time.
Another option with a sleek panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were awed by the 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 choice for those with a small space, as it can be collapsed and flat-packed. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit that allows it to be used until your child is 10 years old. old.
Convertibility
There are a variety of baby necessities you need to think about as you become a new parent. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that will last as long as possible and grow with your child to give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
While most cots can be made into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit, some cots are made to go beyond this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted to a toddler (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm), a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, since it should see your child through childhood to.
It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds we test, but it comes with an attractive appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed with how easy it was to build and set up, although they did note that the instructions could be clearer. This is not a major issue however, as it was still very simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different base heights for the mattress. This is an improvement over the three standard options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows since they may require a higher or lower base level depending on their age and level. It includes teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip on the top to stop it from being bit.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad tester. It's not cheap, however it is a the best value for money since it will last through toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress, which is not included.