How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to consider, a top cot bed is one of the most important items to purchase. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the ideal bed for your baby.
A high-quality bed that fits beautifully in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. This sturdy and durable choice will grow with your child with three mattress positions and the ability remove the sides to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are also different choices that come with different durations some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used in the preschool years or even beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed do tend to be more expensive, but the investment could be worth it if you want a cot that lasts for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those looking for a high-quality cot that will last for a lifetime. The minimalist design and warm color is perfect for an Scandi nursery. This cot bed also comes with a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was an improvement over cheaper cots that come with an integrated drawer, as well as a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. This cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key to set up.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that can give your baby a good night's rest. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were highly praised by our parents who tested it. best cot newborn can be folded up and stored easily, because it fits in bags similar to the one used for the camping chair. It's not the best choice for car camping but it's perfect for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot around too often.
The SnuzKot is an additional budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our father tester liked the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed, and also create a cocoon like feeling by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and secure. Look for a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby cannot easily move out. Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails, or drawers under the bed that will help you stay organized while your baby develops.
Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still beautiful." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and is made of sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There's also an extension kit that can transform it to a full-sized bed once your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is an excellent choice for those with a tight budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattress and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It can last until your child reach the age of three. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to the next.
This cot comes with handy travel bag and is one of the lightest cots we tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely robust with a sturdy frame that will be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little difficult. They were impressed by the fact that the slats were spaced enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots we reviewed but it's well worth the cost for its durability and functionality.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't forget the style. It's crucial to select the cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the perfect 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 types of beds can often feature. It also offers storage space and features a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, plus teething rails that can be connected to the side of the. Our mom tested it and found it robust and durable and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that is perfect 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 then into an elegant sofa bed. It is also one of only a few cot beds that we tested with a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed with the features. It's also the most simple cot beds to assemble. All the pieces are clearly labeled, and the instructions are simple to follow. It's also a great option for those who have a limited space as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used up to 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are a lot of baby essentials that you should consider as you become a new parent. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you want something that will last for as long as it can and will grow with your child to give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, because it should see your child through from birth to childhood.
It's more expensive than some of the other cot beds we tested however its superior appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent testers were impressed by how easy it was them to build and install. This is a minor flaw, though, considering it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade over the three most common options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child develops. They may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to shield it from biting.
The cot is available in several different Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not cheap but it's an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy an additional mattress, that's not included.