How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a essential item for any 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 Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting choice that can grow with your child. It has three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There are also different options that have different lifespans and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years or even beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed do tend to be more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid in the event that you need a cot that will last for years rather than just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for an upscale cot that can last for a long time. The minimalist design and warm finish will look fantastic in an Scandi nursery. The cot bed also comes with a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina found to be superior to less expensive cots with an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately the cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to start it up.
The Elementary cot is a less expensive option that can give your baby a comfortable night's sleep. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parents who tested it. The cot is foldable into a compact size and stored since it can fit into bags similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's light which means it might not be suitable for car camping however it's suitable to live in apartments or for those who don't want to move their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is another good budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact that it was able to transform into an unassuming toddler bed and created the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation so that your child is unable to climb out. Some cot beds include extra features like teething rails and under-bed drawers, which can help you keep things organised while your baby is growing.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can feel confident about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There is also an extension kit that can transform it to a larger bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice if you're on a budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is an excellent purchase for the price.
This is a great choice If you're looking for an expensive cot. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It will last until your child are about three years old. It also can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with handy travel bag and is among the smallest cots we've test at 6kg. It's also extremely durable and has a strong frame that'll stand up to boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it a little difficult to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. They noted that the slats are far enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't neglect the style. It's crucial to select a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the best bed for design-lovers. Its sleek, modern version of the classic sleigh design isn't as bulky that these types can have. It has plenty of storage space-saving features, including the drawer that is built into the cot, as well as teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that can suit any nursery. cots 4 tots 's made to last until they are six years old. It converts into a junior mattress and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cots that we tested with the option of a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with panels. It comes in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. Our mum testers loved its clever features, with the storage drawer particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It is also one of the easiest cot bed to put together. All the pieces are clearly labeled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those with limited space, since it can be folded and flat-packed. tots and cots uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertibility
If you're a new parent there are a myriad of essential items for babies to consider. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that lasts as long as possible and will change with your child to provide them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
While the majority of cots can be transformed into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted to a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, because it should see your child through the years from birth until childhood.
It's a little more expensive than the other cot-beds we tested however its superior design and feel will look great in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed by how simple 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 a breeze and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another impressive characteristic of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and capabilities. It comes with teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip at the top to keep it from being bit.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was particularly impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap, but it's a great value because it will last your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll have to purchase an additional mattress, which is not included.