9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Best Cot Bed

How to Choose the best baby cots cot bed (More Material)

The best rated cribs cot bed is a must-have for every baby. We've created this guide to help find the best choice for your baby.

A high-quality bed that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that will grow with your child, with three mattress height options 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. There are also different options with different lifespans 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 a bed tend to be more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it if you want 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. It's a great choice for those who want an excellent cot that will stand the years. Our parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was more suitable than cheaper cots with a drawer built-in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting caught. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this crib isn't cheap cots. It requires an Allen key to make it functional.

The cot for the Elementary is a less expensive option that can give your baby a peaceful night's rest. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. Our parents liked the simple design and simple assembly. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, as it fits into bags that are similar to the one used to store a camping chair. It's light, meaning it may not be ideal for camping in the car, but it should be fine for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot around for too long.

The SnuzKot is an additional budget-friendly cot we recommend particularly if you decide to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our dad tester loved the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created a cocoon like feeling 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 solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides and a solid base, so your baby can't easily climb out. Some cot beds have additional features such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you keep things organised as your baby is growing.

The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There's also an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed once your child is ready.

This elegant and simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It fits most standard cot mattress and is a great buy for the price.

If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It will last your baby until they reach the age of three. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to another.

This cot comes with a handy travel bag and is among the smallest cots that we tested at 6kg. It's also extremely durable with an extremely sturdy frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our test subjects found it a bit tricky to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were set apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed but the quality and durability make it worth the investment.

Design

When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't neglect the style. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one you like and is also practical and functional.

The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the best bed for design-lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the traditional sleigh style doesn't have that bulky feeling that these types can have. It has plenty of storage space such as the drawer that is built into the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.

The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with an elegant panel design that will be suitable for any nursery. It is designed to last until they are six years old. It can be converted into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a few cot beds that we've tested with the option of a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.

Another option that has a stylish panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was especially useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were impressed with the features. It's also the most simple cot beds to put together. The components are clearly labeled and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space as it can be flat-packed and then collapsed. It fits a standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child is 10 years of age.

Convertibility

When you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important is a quality cot bed. You want something that lasts for as long as it can and grow with your child, giving them a safe and secure place to sleep.

While the majority of cots can be transformed into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, since it will last your child through the years from birth until childhood.

It's a bit more expensive than the other cot beds we tested however, its high-end design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could have been more simple, but our parents test subjects were impressed with the ease with which it was for to construct and install. This is a minor flaw but it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

This cot has four different base heights for the mattress. This is an improvement over the three most common options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may need a higher or lower base level, based on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip along the top to shield it from being bitten.

The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors, and our dad tester was particularly attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's 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 peace of mind that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is a mattress, which isn't included.