How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to think about, choosing the ideal crib bed is among the most important purchases. cot bed sales has been created to help find the best choice for your baby.
A premium option that will look great in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a variety of choices that come with different durations, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the preschool years or beyond. The ones that can be converted into beds are more expensive, but they'll last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for those who want an excellent crib that can stand the test of time. This model's minimalist design and warm color will look great in a Scandi nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina felt was superior to less expensive cots with an inbuilt drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately the cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to make it functional.
A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a good night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parents who tested it. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored because it fits in bags that are similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's not ideal for car camping but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot a lot.
The SnuzKot is an additional 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 they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed and create an atmosphere of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides and a solid base, so your baby can't easily climb out. Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib, which can help you 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 feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open for peace of mind) and also has the option of an extension kit that takes it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great option for those with a tight budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It can be used with standard cot mattresses and is a great value purchase for the price.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this is a great option. It has an impressive four mattress base positions when in cot mode, and will last until your baby is about three years old. It folds flat and comes with locks on the wheels, making it very portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot is light at only 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for traveling. It's also extremely robust with an extremely sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little challenging to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. They also noted that the slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a bit more expensive than the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the price for its durability and functionality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when buying a cot-bed. Your baby's cot will be used for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one you like and is also practical and useful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the best bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds usually have. It also doesn't skimp on space-saving storage and has an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, plus teething rails that can be affixed to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.
If you prefer you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has an elegant panel design that would suit any nursery. It is designed to last your child until they reach the age of six older. It can be converted into a junior mattress and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we've tested with draw, a hanging rail and teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot bed to endure the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with a panelled design. It is available in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were awed by its features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those with limited space, as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as the new parent. One of the most important is a quality cot bed. You want something that will last for as long as you can and will change with your child to provide them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which can be converted into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice that will last from birth until the time of their childhood.
It's a bit pricey in comparison to other cot beds we test, but it comes with an elegant design and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents were impressed with how easy it was to build and set up but they did say that the instructions could be more clear. This is a minor fault, however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
This cot has four different base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child grows. They may need an upper or lower base level based on their age and ability. It includes teething rails which are helpful as well as a plastic strip on the top to keep it from being bit.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad's testers. It's not cheap, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will see your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by a 1-year warranty so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress which is not included.