The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Best Cot Bed

How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

With so many baby must-haves to think about, choosing the ideal cot bed is one of the most important buys. We've created this guide to help find the best choice for your baby.

A top-quality option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When you think of cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery cots. There are a myriad of options with different levels of durability, with some converting into toddler beds for use throughout the preschool years and beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed tend to be more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that will last for many years, not just the duration of a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its stunning aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those who want an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. Our parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was an improvement over cheaper cots that come with a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. This cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key to set up.

A less expensive option that still gives your baby a comfy night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were well-loved by our parents who tested it. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away away easily too, fitting into a carry bag that's as big as a camp chair's carry case. It's not the Best cot for newborn choice for car camping however it's suitable for apartment life or those who won't be moving their cot too much.

The SnuzKot is a good cribs budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be converted into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and also create the feeling of a cocoon with its canopy made of fabric.

Safety

A cot that is of good cribs quality should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby is not able to climb out. Some cots include extra features like teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage that will help you stay organized while your baby grows.

The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure security. There's also an extension kit available which can convert it to a larger bed when your child is ready.

This simple but stylish cot is a great option if you're on a budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height of your baby as he grows. It will fit most standard cot mattresses and is a great value buy for the money.

If you're looking for a premium cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It will last until your child are around three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from room to.

This cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is among the lightest cots we tested at 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy and has a sturdy frame that'll stand up to the raging toddlers. Our test subjects found it a little challenging to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other cots we reviewed but it's well worth the price for its durability and utility.

Design

When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't overlook the design. It's important that you choose a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.

The icklebubba Snowdon Classic bed is the ideal cot for design lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types can have. It's packed with storage space-saving features such as an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. Our mom tested it and found it to be solid and sturdy and has the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to grow with your child.

The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in an elegant panel design that will be suitable for any nursery. It is designed to last until they are six years old. It transforms into a junior mattress, and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also one of the cot beds that we've tested with a draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails, while 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 that has panels. It is available in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed with the features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It is also an excellent alternative for those with limited space because it can be folded flat and collapsed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used until 10 years of age.

Convertibility

There are many baby essentials you need to think about as you become a new parent. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that lasts as long as possible and will grow with your child to provide them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.

Although most cots can be made to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our top rated cots choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, since it will last your child through childhood to.

It's more expensive than the other cot beds we tested however its superior appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parents were impressed with how easy it was to set up and build, although they did note that the instructions could be clearer. This isn't a big issue, however, as it was still a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

Another unique characteristic of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress heights for the base that are an improvement on the three most popular options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child grows. They may need a lower or higher base level depending on their age and abilities. It also comes with teething rails and a strip along the top to guard it from being bitten.

The grey finish was the favorite of our dad's testers. It is not cheap but it's a great value since it will last your child until they reach the toddler years and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranties and gives you assurance that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress that's not included.