How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a essential item for any baby. This guide will help find the best choice for your baby.

A top-quality option that fits beautifully in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a durable and sturdy option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as the option of removing the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options that offer different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds to be used through the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be turned into beds are more expensive, but they last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design. It's a great choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality cot that will stand up to the test of time. Our parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. This cot bed also comes with a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina felt was superior to cheaper cots that have a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. The cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setup.

A less expensive option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and easy assembly. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, since it can fit into bags similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot too much.

We suggest the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact that it was able to transform into an unassuming toddler bed, and also created the feeling of a cocoon with its fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is of good quality must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your baby is not able to get out. Some cots to tots come with extra features, such as teething rails or drawers under the bed which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby develops.

Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still stunning." Its traditional design is suitable for all homes and is made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide peace of mind) and also has the option for an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.

This simple but stylish cot is a good choice if you're on a budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options which allows you to adjust the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most standard crib mattresses and is a good buy for the money.

If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It can keep your baby safe until they reach the age of three. It folds flat and has locks on the wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.

This cot sale is lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a handy bag for travel. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that will stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were placed far enough apart to keep fingers from getting stuck between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, however the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.

Design

When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't overlook the style. It's crucial to select the cot bed that is both practical and attractive.

The classic ickle bubba Bed is the best bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds usually feature. It also doesn't skimp on storage space and features an extra drawer that slides under the cot, and teething rails that can be affixed to the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.

If you prefer alternatively, 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 your child is six years old, converting first into a junior bed, and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also among the cot beds that we tested that has draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it a good cribs option for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.

Another option with a sleek panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. Our mom testers were impressed by its unique features and the drawer for storage being particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It is also one of the easiest cot cribs beds to assemble. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the instructions are simple to follow. It is also an excellent choice for those who have little space since it can be folded flat and collapsed. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit that allows it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. of age.

Convertibility

There are a variety of baby necessities that you must consider when you become a new parent. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and grow with your child so that they have a secure place to sleep.

Although most cots can be transformed to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go further than this. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, as it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.

It's a bit pricey in comparison to other cot beds we've evaluated, but it offers a premium appearance and feel that would be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could have been more simple, but our parents testers were awed by how easy it was to construct and put up. This isn't a big issue, however, as it was still very simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

Another unique characteristic of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows because they might require an upper or lower base level depending on their age and level. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip on the top to shield it from being bitten.

This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors, and our dad tester was particularly impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap but it's a the best value for money since it will last until they reach the age of toddler and beyond. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty, so you have assurance that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.