How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. We've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your baby.
This high-end option works perfectly it perfectly Scandi style nursery. It's a sturdy and durable choice that can grow with your child, with three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When you think of cots, there's a cot to fit 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 age of preschool or beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the investment could be worth it 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 was our overall winner thanks to its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design. It's a great choice for those who want a top quality cot that will stand the test of time. This model's minimalist design and warm finish is perfect for an Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina considered to be an excellent alternative to cheaper cots which have an integrated drawer. It also has an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting caught. The cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
The Elementary cot is a less expensive option that will give your baby a peaceful night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were highly praised by our parent testers. The cot is small when folded and can be stored easily, fitting into a bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot around too often.
We recommend the SnuzKot for another cot for under $100, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they're around four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed and created a cocoon-like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Look for a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation so that your baby is not able to climb out. Some cots have additional features like teething rails or drawers under the bed that can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still beautiful." Its classic design is suitable for all homes and it's made from sustainable sources of 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 for security. There's an extension kit available that can transform it to a larger bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's easy to set up and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most standard crib mattresses and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It'll keep your baby safe until they are about three years old. It also folds flat and has lockable wheels, making it very convenient to move it from room to room.
This cot is light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag for traveling. It's also extremely sturdy and has a strong frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. They were impressed by the fact that the slats are enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots that we looked at however, it's worth the price for its durability and functionality.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but don't overlook the style. Your baby's cot will be in use for a long period of time, therefore it's crucial to choose one that you love and is also practical and useful.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the best cot bed for design lovers, with its sleek modern version of the traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds can often feature. It has plenty of storage space-saving features and storage options, including the drawer that is built into the cot as well as rails for teething on the sides. Our mum tested it and found it sturdy and robust, with three positions of base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in an elegant panel design that will be suitable for any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they reach six years old. old. It can be converted into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested that has an opening as well as a hanging rail and teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it an excellent option for parents who want their cot bed to last for a long time.
cot for sale is another option with panels. It comes in a range of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed by the features. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be rolled up and collapsed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as the new parent. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child so that they have a safe place to sleep.
While most cots can be transformed into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go a step further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It converts into an infant (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice, as it will last from birth until the time of their childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tried however its superior appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parents were impressed by how simple it was to put together and construct however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This is not a major issue, however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows, since they may require a higher or lower base level depending on their age and level. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to shield it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad's testers. It is not cheap but it's a an excellent value, as it will last into the toddler years and beyond. It also comes with an one-year guarantee and gives you assurance that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.