How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for every baby. We've put together this guide to help you find the ideal bed for your little one.
This top-quality option is perfect in Scandi style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are also different choices that come with different durations some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used into the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be converted into a bed are more expensive, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design making it a great option for parents who want an excellent cot that will stand the test of time. The minimalist design and warm finish is perfect for an Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina found to be a better option than some cheaper cots that have an inbuilt 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 for setting up.
A less expensive option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The easy design and simple assembly were praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away easily, fitting into a bag that's the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's lighter than the average cot which means it might not be suitable for car camping but it's a good choice for living in an apartment or for those who don't plan to move their cot all the time.
We suggest the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It can grow with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed and created an ambiance of cocoons by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and feel secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides and a solid base that your child can't be able to climb out. Some cot beds will also come with extra features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib which can help organize your home as your baby is growing.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its traditional design will suit most homes and it's made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up for security) and comes with an option for an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is an excellent choice for those on a limited budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.
This is a great choice if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It will keep your baby safe until they reach the age of three. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from one room to the next.
This cot is very light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag for traveling. It's also extremely robust and has strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little difficult. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to prevent fingers from getting stuck between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots that we looked at, but it is worth the investment 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 is essential to choose the cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek, modern version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds can often come with. It also has plenty of space-saving storage and has an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, and teething rails that can be attached to the side of the. Our mother test subject found it solid and sturdy and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with a panelled design that will be suitable for any nursery. It's designed to last until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cots that we've tested with the option of a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with panels. It comes in a variety of colours to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were awed by the features. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have a limited space, as it can be folded and flat-packed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertibility
If you're a newly-wed, there are plenty of baby essentials to think about. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You need something that will last for as long as it can and grow with your child to provide them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for toddlers. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability that will last your child from birth until the time of their childhood.
It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot beds we tested, but its premium look and feel will fit in any nursery. The instructions could have been more clear, but our parent testers were impressed by how easy it was to construct and set up. This is a minor fault however, since it was still a breeze and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another unique characteristic of this cot is that it has four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need an upper or lower base level, based on their age and level. It also comes with teething rails as well as a plastic strip on the top to protect it from biting.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad's testers. It's not expensive however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. Additionally, it comes with an one-year guarantee and gives you peace of mind that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.