How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to consider, the best crib bed is among the most important purchases. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect bed for your baby.
This premium option fits perfectly to be used in Scandi style nursery. This sturdy and durable choice can grow with your baby with three mattress positions, and the ability to remove the sides to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also different choices that come with different durations, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years or beyond. The ones that can be converted into a bed are more expensive, but they will last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality crib that can stand the years. Our testers for parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. This cot bed comes with an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some cheaper cots which have an integrated drawer. It also has an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key to set up.
A more budget-friendly alternative that will still provide your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers loved the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is foldable down and stored easily as it fits into a bag the size of that used for a camping chair. It's a bit light and therefore may not be suitable for camping in the car but it's a good choice for living in an apartment or for those who don't intend to move their cot around for too long.
We suggest the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. linked webpage loved the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed, and created a cocoon like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy design that has sides or safety bars and an erect base, so your baby can't easily get out. Some cots include extra features such as teething rails, or drawers under the bed which can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide peace of mind) and also has the option to add an extension kit that can take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattress and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this one is a great option. It comes with four mattress base positions in cot mode, and will last until your baby is three years old. It folds flat and has lockable wheels, making it very convenient to move it from room to room.
The cot is extremely light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag for travel. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that'll stand up to boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. They also noted that the slats are spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that 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 is essential to choose a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal bed for those who appreciate design, with its sleek modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds often have. It also doesn't skimp on space-saving storage and has an extra drawer that slides under the cot, plus teething rails that can be attached to the side of the. It was strong and sturdy. crib sets -position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that will suit any nursery. It's designed to be used until your child is six years old, and then it transforms first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we tested that has a draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it an excellent choice for parents who want their cot bed to stand the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with panels. It comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. Our mom testers loved its unique features including the storage drawer being especially useful for storing bedding and clothes. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to assemble. The components are clearly labelled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with limited space, as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It can be used with the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child is 10 years of age.
Convertibility
There are a variety of baby necessities that you must consider when you become a new parent. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you need something that will last for as long as it can and grow with your child, giving them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for toddlers. 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 sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable pick and will last from birth to the age of.
It's a bit pricey when compared to other cot beds we evaluated, but it offers a premium appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was to construct and set up. This is not a major issue however, since it was still very simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for mattresses. This is an improvement over the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child develops. They may require a lower or higher base level based on their age and capabilities. It comes with teething rails that can be useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to keep it from becoming a bit.
This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was particularly keen on the grey finish. It's not inexpensive but it's excellent value for money since it will last your child through to the age of toddler 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 need to buy separately is a mattress that's not included.