How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to consider, a top crib bed is among the most important items to purchase. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect bed for your little one.
A high-quality bed that is perfect for nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a sturdy and durable option that grows with your child. It has three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are a variety of options with different lifespans and some of them can be converted into toddler beds to be used in the preschool years or beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive, but the investment could be worth it when you're looking for an item that lasts for many years, not just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design making it a great choice for parents looking for an excellent cot that will stand the years. This model's minimalist design and warm finish is perfect for a Scandi nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina felt was superior to cheaper cots that come 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 stuck in the bars. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately the crib isn't cheap. It does require an Allen key to make it functional.
A more budget-friendly alternative that will still provide your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers loved the simple design and simple assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored away easily too, fitting into a bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's light and therefore may not be suitable for camping in the car however it's suitable for living in an apartment or for those who don't plan 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 around four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact it converted to an unassuming toddler bed and created the feeling of a cocoon with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation so that your baby is not able to get out. Some cot beds include extra features like teething rails and drawers under the bed which can help organize your life while your little one is growing.
The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There's an extension kit available that can transform it to a full-sized bed when your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It's easy to set up, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattress and is a great buy for the price.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a high-end cot. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It'll last your baby until they are around three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option for moving it from one room to the next.
This cot is very lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a great bag to carry it around in. It's also extremely durable and has a strong frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. Our test subjects found it a bit tricky to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. They also noted that the slats are far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other cots we looked at, but it is worth the investment for its longevity and practicality.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but don't forget the design. The cot you choose for your baby will be used for a long time so it's essential to find one that you enjoy and is also functional and practical.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the best bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds often feature. It has plenty of storage space such as an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the sides. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to expand with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with a panelled design that will fit in with any nursery. It's made to last until they are six years old. It can be converted into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the only cot beds we tested that has draw, a hanging rail and teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it an excellent choice for parents who want their cot to last for a long time.
Another option with a sleek panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothes. Our mum testers were impressed by the features. Cots 4 Tots UK is also one of the easiest cot beds to assemble. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be flat-packed and then collapsed. It takes a standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child is 10 years old. older.
Convertability
When you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby essentials to think about. 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 to give them a safe and secure place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for toddlers. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm), a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last your child from birth through childhood.
It's more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried, but its premium appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed by how simple it was to build and set up however they did mention that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue but it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade over the three most popular options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and ability. It also comes with teething rails as well as a plastic strip on the top to guard it from biting.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not inexpensive however it offers great value for money as it will take your child through the age of toddler 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'll need to purchase separately is a mattress, that's not included.