How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to think about, choosing the ideal cot bed is among the most important items to purchase. This guide will assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nursery rooms. This sturdy and durable choice 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's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of choices that come with different durations and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the preschool years or beyond. Obviously, the ones which convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the investment can really pay off if you want a cot that will last for years rather than just the duration of a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those who want an excellent cot that will last a lifetime. The sleek design and warm color will look great in an Scandi nursery. This cot bed also comes with a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina felt was superior to less expensive cots with an integrated drawer, as well as an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. This cot bed is not inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setting up.
A more affordable option that will still give your baby a comfy night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The easy design and simple assembly were highly praised by our parents who tested it. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored away easily too, fitting into a carry bag that's about the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's light and therefore may not be suitable for car camping however it's suitable to live in apartments or for those who don't intend to move their cot around too much.
We recommend 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 can grow with your child until approximately four years old and our dad testers loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed and created an ambiance of cocoons by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation so that your baby is not able to move out. Some cot beds have additional features like teething rails and under-bed drawers that can help you organize your life while your little one is growing.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its classic design is suitable for all homes and it's made from sustainable sources of 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 to ensure safety. There is also an extension kit available which can convert it to a full-sized bed once your child is ready.
This stylish and simple cot is a great choice for those on a tight budget. It's easy to set up, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height as your baby grows. It can be used with standard crib mattresses and is a great value purchase for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It'll keep your baby safe until they reach the age of three. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from one room to the next.
This cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is among the smallest cots that we tested at 6kg. It is also very robust with a sturdy frame that will stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. The slats were set apart to avoid fingers getting stuck between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the durability and function 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 forget the style. The cot you choose for your baby will be used for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one you like and is also practical and useful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal bed for those who love design, with its sleek modern version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds often have. It's got plenty of storage space such as a drawer that fits underneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the sides. Our mom test subject found it solid and sturdy and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
Alternately you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that is perfect for any nursery. It's made to last until they are six years old. It can be converted into a junior mattress and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the cot beds that we tested to have a draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a good choice for parents who want their cot bed to endure the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has an elegant panel design. It is available in a variety of colors to complement your nursery's decor. this hyperlink was especially useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed with its features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with a small space, as it can be collapsed and flat-packed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used until 10 years old.
Convertability
There are many baby essentials that you must consider when you become a new parent. One of the most important is a quality cot bed. You need something that will last for as long as you can and will change with your child, giving them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for children. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice, as it will last from birth through the time of their childhood.
It's a little more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried however its superior appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was them to build and set up. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still a breeze and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another unique characteristic of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three standard options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may require a lower or higher base level based on their age and capabilities. It comes with teething rails that are useful and a plastic strip at the top to keep it from getting bitten.
This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was especially impressed by the grey finish. It is not cheap but it offers the best value for money because it will last into toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress, which isn't included.