How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the ideal bed for your little one.
This premium option fits perfectly to be used in Scandi style nursery. This sturdy and durable choice can expand with your baby, with three mattress positions and the ability remove the sides to create a chic bench style toddler bed.
Budget
There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans some of which can be converted into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years or beyond. The ones that can be converted into a bed are more expensive, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design, making it an excellent option for parents who want an excellent cot that will stand up to the test of time. Our parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina considered to be an excellent alternative to 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 get it up and running.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that will provide your baby a comfortable night's rest. best cot newborn of the Anyday range by John Lewis. Our parents liked the simple design and simple assembly. best cots uk is compact when folded and can be tucked easily, fitting into a bag that's about the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's light and therefore may not be suitable for camping in the car, but it's a good choice to live in apartments or for those who don't plan to move their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is a good affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they are around four years old. Our father tester liked the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed and create the feeling of a cocoon by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design with safety bars or sides, as well as an erect base that your child can't easily climb out. Some cots include extra features, such as teething rails or drawers under the bed that will help you stay organized while your baby develops.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." 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 can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure security. There's also an extension kit which can convert it to a larger bed when your child is ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a great choice for those on a tight 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 of your baby as he grows. It will fit most standard cot mattresses and is a great 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 has four mattress positions. It'll last your baby until they reach the age of three. It also folds flat and has locking wheels, making it portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot is very lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a great bag for travel. It's also extremely robust and has strong frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little difficult. They 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 we reviewed, but it is worth the price for its durability and functionality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when purchasing a cot-bed. The cot you choose for your baby will be used for a long time, therefore it's crucial to choose one you like and is also practical and functional.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the perfect cot bed for design lovers with its sleek, modern take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds often feature. It's packed with storage space-saving features and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. Our mum test subject found it to be robust and durable with a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that will fit in with any nursery. It's designed to last until your child reaches six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. best cot newborn 's also among the few cot beds we've tested with an opening as well as a hanging rail and teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a good option for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has panels. It comes in a variety of colours to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were awed by its features. It is also one of the easiest cot beds to put together. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great alternative for those with little space since it can be folded flat and collapsed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent there are a myriad of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important is a quality cot bed. You want something that will last for as long as it can and will change with your child to give them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which can be converted into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability and will last your child from birth to childhood.
It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds we've tested, but it has an elegant design and feel that will fit in with any nursery. Our parents were impressed by how simple it was to set up and build, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot has four different base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade over the three standard options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need a higher or lower base level based on their age and ability. It includes teething rails that can be useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to stop it from becoming a bit.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad tester. It's not inexpensive however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by an one-year guarantee which gives you confidence that it will be sturdy and durable. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress, that's not included.