This Week's Most Remarkable Stories About Best Cot Bed
How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many essentials for babies to think about, choosing the ideal cot bed is among the most important buys. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the ideal bed for your baby.
A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as the option of removing the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options that provide different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds for use into the preschool years and beyond. The ones that can be transformed into beds are more expensive, but they'll last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous design and easy to assemble make it an ideal choice for those looking for a high-quality cot that will last a lifetime. This model's minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look great in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina believed was a better choice than some cheaper cots which have an integrated drawer. It also has an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting caught. But at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately the bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to make it functional.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that can give your baby a comfortable night's rest. cot bed sales of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were well-loved by our testers' parents. The cot is foldable down and stored easily since it can fit into a bag the size of that used for a camping chair. It's a little on the lightweight side which means it might not be suitable for camping in the car, however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't want to move their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is another 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're around four years old, and our dad testers loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed and created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation, so that your child is unable to move out. Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails or drawers under the bed which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby develops.
Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still stunning." Its classic design is suitable for all homes and is made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There is also an extension kit that can transform it to a full-sized bed when your child's ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a great choice for those on a tight budget. It's easy to assemble, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is an excellent purchase for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It will last until your child are about three years old. It also can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
The cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is among the smallest cots we've test at 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy and has a strong frame that'll stand up to boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. They also noted that the slats are spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught in between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots we looked at however, it's worth the price for its longevity and practicality.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't neglect the design. The crib of your baby will be used for a long time so it's essential to find one you like and also is functional and practical.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the perfect cot bed for design lovers with its sleek, modern version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these beds can often come with. It also has plenty of storage space, and comes with a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, plus teething rails that can be attached to the side. Our mom tester found it robust and durable, with three positions of base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternately you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has an elegant panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It's designed to be used until your child is six years old, converting first into a junior bed and later to a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a few cot beds that we tested with the option of a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with an elegant panel design. It comes in a variety of colors to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were awed by the features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to put together, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with limited space, as it can be folded and flat-packed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used up to 10 years old.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent, there are plenty of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) as well as it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, as it should see your child through the years from birth until childhood.
It's not cheap compared to some of the other cot beds we've test, but it comes with an elegant design and feel that will be a perfect fit for any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed with how easy it was to put together and construct however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This isn't a major issue however, as it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child develops. They might require a higher or lower base level based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip on the top to shield it from being bitten.
This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not expensive but it's excellent value for money since it will take your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranties which gives you assurance that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress, which is not included.
