How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a essential item for any baby. This guide will assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
A premium option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting choice that can grow with your child, with three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options that provide different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds that can be used through the age of preschool and beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed do tend to be more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it if you want a cot that lasts for a long time instead of just the duration of a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its elegant design and simple design. It's a great option for parents who want a top quality crib that can stand the years. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look great in an Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was more suitable than cheaper cots with an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting caught. cot beds for sale cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
A more budget-friendly option that will still give your baby a comfy night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our testers with parents liked the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be put away and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's about the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's not ideal for car camping but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot a lot.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot we recommend, especially if you choose to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It can grow with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact that it can be converted into an unassuming toddler bed and gave an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides and a solid base to ensure that your child is unable to easily get out. Some cots include extra features, such as teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage that can aid you in staying organized as your baby develops.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its traditional design will fit in with any home and it's made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about your purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up for peace of mind) and has an option of an extension kit that takes it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with 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 option. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It'll keep your baby safe until they are about three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to the next.
This cot is very light at only 6kg and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around in. It's also extremely robust and has an extremely sturdy frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little challenging. They were impressed by the fact that the slats are spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the quality and durability are worth the cost.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't forget the style. Your baby's cot will be in use for a long time, so it's important to find one that you love and also is functional and practical.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the ideal cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern version of the classic sleigh style isn't as bulky that these types of cots can provide. It's packed with storage space-saving features, 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 expand with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that will be suitable for any nursery. It's made to last until your child reaches six years old, converting first into a junior bed, and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only a few cot beds that we have tested with the option of a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.
Another option with a sleek panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colour options to coordinate with the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed by the features. It's also among the easiest cot beds for parents to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It is also an excellent choice for those who have little space since it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It can be used with the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. older.
Convertability
If you're a new parent, there are plenty of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a safe place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for toddlers. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last your child from birth to childhood.
It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot beds we tested however its superior design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was to construct and install. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child gets older, since they may require a higher or lower base level based on their age and level. It includes teething rails that can be useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to stop it from being bit.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad's testers. It's not expensive however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It's also covered by a 1-year warranty to ensure that it will last. The only thing you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.