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 cots online.

This top-quality option is perfect to be used in Scandi style nursery. This sturdy and durable choice can expand with your baby with three mattress positions and the ability to 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's also a variety of options that offer different amounts of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years and beyond. Obviously, the ones which convert into beds are generally more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off in the event that you need an item that lasts for many years, not just for a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent option for parents who want an extremely high-quality cot that will stand up to the years. This model's minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look great in a Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was more suitable than less expensive cots that have a drawer built-in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at over PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately, this crib isn't cheap. It does require an Allen key to make it functional.

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. The easy design and simple assembly were well-loved by our testers' parents. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored since it can fit into bags that are similar to that used for the camping chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car however it's suitable for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot a lot.

The SnuzKot is another good budget-friendly cot for sale that we recommend particularly if you decide to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created a cocoon like feeling with its fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your child is unable to climb out. Some cot beds have additional features, such as teething rails and drawers under the bed that can help you organize your life while your little one is growing.

The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up for peace of mind) and comes with an option of an extension kit that can take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This stylish and simple cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's simple 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 will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is a great buy for the price.

If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great choice. 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 is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it a great option for moving it from one room to another.

This cot comes with handy travel bag and is among the smallest cots we've test at 6kg. It's also very sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little difficult to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. They noted that the slats were spaced enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots that we looked at however, it's worth the investment for its longevity and practicality.

Design

When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't forget the design. Your baby's cot will be in use for a long time so it's essential to find one that you enjoy and is also functional and practical.

The icklebubba Snowdon Classic bed is the perfect bed for design-lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the classic sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types of cots can provide. It also has plenty of space-saving storage and has an extra drawer that slides under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be affixed to the side. Our mom tester found it to be sturdy and robust and has the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to expand with your child.

The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in an elegant panel design that will be suitable for any nursery. It's designed to last until your child is six years old, and then it transforms first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cot beds that we tested with an apex drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.

Another option that has a stylish panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit the decor of your nursery cots. The storage drawer is useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were impressed with its features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds for parents to assemble, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have little space since it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. old.

Convertibility

There are a variety of baby necessities that you should consider as a new parent. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, ensuring they can have a safe place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for children. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability that will last from birth until the time of their childhood.

It's a little more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried, but its premium appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parents were amazed by how easy it was to build and set up but they did say that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue however, since it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

Another unique aspect of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and capabilities. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to shield it from being bitten.

The grey finish was the most popular of our dad's testers. It's not cheap but it's a great value since it will last your child into the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranties, so you have assurance that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.