How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you find the perfect choice for your baby.

A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option will grow with your child, with three mattress positions and the ability remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to cots there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are a variety of choices that come with different durations and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used into the age of preschool or beyond. Naturally, those that convert into a bed 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 was our overall winner due to its elegant design and simple design making it a great choice for those who want a top quality cot that will stand up to the years. The minimalist design and warm finish is perfect for a Scandi nursery. The cot bed also has a drawer, which mom tester Katrina found to be an improvement over less expensive cots with a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this bed isn't cheap cots, and it requires an Allen key to get it up and running.

The cot for the Elementary is a less expensive option that can give your baby a good night's sleep. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were well-loved by our parent testers. The cot can be folded up and stored easily, since it can fit into a bag the size of the one used for a camping chair. It's a little on the lightweight side which means it might not be ideal for camping in the car but it should be fine to live in apartments or for those who don't plan to move their cot around for too long.

We recommend the SnuzKot for another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed, and also created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is safe and sturdy is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides and solid foundations that your child can't easily climb out. Some cot beds have additional features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you organize your home while your baby is growing.

The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of the purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide reassurance) and has an option for an extension kit that can take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.

This stylish and simple cot is a good choice if you're on a budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height of your baby as he grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is a great buy for the price.

If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It will keep your baby safe until they are around three years old. It also folds flat and has locks on the wheels, making it portable if you need to move it from room to room.

This cot is lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for traveling. It's also very sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little challenging to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. The slats were set apart to prevent fingers from getting trapped between them. It is also more expensive than other cots 4 tots we have reviewed but the durability and functionality make it a worthwhile investment.

Design

It's easy to overlook the style when you are buying a cot bed. It's crucial to select a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.

The icklebubba Snowdon Classic cot for sale bed is the perfect cot for those who love design. Its sleek, modern take on the classic sleigh style isn't as bulky that these types can have. It's packed with storage space-saving features such as the drawer that is built into the cot, as well as teething rails on the side. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.

If you prefer alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that would suit any nursery. It is designed to last your child until they reach the age of six old. It transforms into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cot beds that we have tested with an apex drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.

Another option with a smart panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It's also among the easiest cot beds for parents to put together, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with a small space, as it can be folded and flat-packed. It can be used with a standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit that allows it to be used until your child is 10 years old. older.

Convertibility

There are a lot of baby essentials that you should consider as the new parent. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and grow with your child, ensuring that they have a safe bed to sleep in.

Although most cots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit, some cot beds are designed to go beyond this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) and the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice, as it will last from birth to the age of.

It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested however, its high-end design and feel will look great in any nursery. Our parents were impressed with how easy it was to put together and construct however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This is a minor fault, however, as it was still a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

Another great aspect of this cot is that it has four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows, since they may require a higher or lower base level based on their age and level. It also comes with teething rails as well as a plastic strip that runs along the top to shield it from being bitten.

The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not inexpensive however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.