The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Best Cot Bed

How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot newborn cot bed is a essential item for any baby. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect choice for your little one.

This premium option fits perfectly in Scandi style nursery. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child, offering three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

There's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are also a range of options with different levels of durability and some convert into toddler beds for use into the age of preschool and beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that will last for a long time instead of just the duration of a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design making it a great choice for those who want an extremely high-quality crib that can stand the test of time. This model's minimalist design and warm finish will look great in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was an excellent alternative to less expensive cots that have a drawer built in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. But at 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.

A more budget-friendly alternative that will still provide your baby a comfortable night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parent testers. The cot is foldable down and stored easily because it fits in bags similar to the one 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 around too often.

We recommend the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It can grow with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad testers loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed and gave an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation so that your baby cannot easily get out. Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib which can help organize your life while your baby is growing.

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

This elegant and simple cot is a great choice for those with a tight budget. It's simple to put together, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height of your baby as he grows. It is compatible with most recommended cribs cots with a standard mattresses and is an excellent purchase for the price.

If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great option. It has an impressive four mattress base positions when in cot mode, and will last until your child is around three years old. It folds flat and comes with locks on the wheels, making it extremely convenient to move it from room to room.

The cot is extremely light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It is also very durable with a sturdy frame that will withstand boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it a bit tricky to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were set apart to keep fingers from getting trapped between them. It's also a bit more expensive than the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the cost 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 in use for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one that you enjoy as well as is practical and functional.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design, with its sleek modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds often come with. It also has plenty of storage space, and comes with an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, and teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.

Alternately, 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 last until your child reaches 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 cot beds that we tested that has 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 to stand the test of time.

The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with a panelled design. It comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer is useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed by the features. It is also one of the easiest cot bed to assemble. All the pieces are clearly labeled and the instructions are simple to follow. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be flat-packed and rolled down. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used until 10 years of age.

Convertability

There are many baby essentials that you should consider as you become a new parent. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.

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 an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, because it is designed to last through childhood to.

It's not cheap compared to some of the other cot beds that we test, but it comes with an elegant design and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents were amazed by how easy it was to set up and build however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This is not a major issue however, as it was still very simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

This cot has four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade over the three most common options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child develops. They might require an upper or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It includes teething rails that are useful and a plastic strip at the top to stop it from being bit.

The grey finish was the favorite of our dad tester. It is not cheap but it offers great value as it will last through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with an assurance of one year to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy an additional mattress, that's not included.