How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a essential item for any baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you choose the perfect choice for your little one.
A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nursery rooms. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, offering three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots 4 tots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options that provide various levels of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds for use throughout the preschool years and beyond. Naturally, those which convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off when you're looking for an item that lasts for many years, not just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous aesthetics and easy-to assemble design makes it a fantastic choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last for a long time. This model's minimalist design and warm finish will look fantastic in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina felt was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. The cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setup.
A more affordable option that will still give your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our testers' parents. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, since it can fit into bags that are similar to that used for a camping chair. It's not ideal for car camping however it's suitable for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot for an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they are around four years old. Our dad tester loved the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed and create an atmosphere of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Look for a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your baby is not able to get out. Some cot beds will also include extra features, such as teething rails and under-bed drawers which can help organize your home while your baby is growing.
Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still stunning." Its classic design will suit most homes and is made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up for peace of mind) and has an option of an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a great choice when you're on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is an excellent purchase for the price.
This is a great choice If you're looking for an expensive cot. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It can keep your baby safe until they are about three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to the next.
This cot bed sales comes with a handy travel bag and is among the lightest cots we tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy and has a sturdy frame that'll stand up to noisy toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than the other cots we looked at but it's well worth the investment for its longevity and practicality.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but don't forget the style. It is essential to choose the cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the best bed for those who love design, with its sleek modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these beds can often feature. It also offers storage space and features an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be affixed to the side. Our mom test subject found it sturdy and robust and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternately alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a smart panelled look that is perfect for any nursery. It is made to last until they reach six years old. old. It converts into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested to have a draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot to last for a long time.
Another option that has a stylish panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothes. Our mum testers were awed by its features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to put together, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great alternative for those with little space since it can be rolled up and rolled down. 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 old. old.
Convertibility
If you're a new parent there are a lot of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as you can and evolve with your child so that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
Although most cots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go beyond this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which can be converted into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, as it will last your child through childhood to.
It's not cheap compared to some of the other cot beds we test, but it comes with a premium appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed by how simple it was to put together and construct but they did say that the instructions could be more clear. This is a minor fault however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another great characteristic of this cot is that it has four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three standard options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may require a higher or lower base level depending on their age and capabilities. It comes with teething rails that are useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to keep it from getting bitten.
This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not inexpensive however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.