How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

With so many baby must-haves to think about, choosing the ideal cot bed is among the most important buys. We've created this guide to assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.

This high-end option works perfectly in Scandi style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child. It has three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds that can be used into the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be converted into beds are more expensive, https://www.jtayl.me/ but they will last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its stunning aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those looking for an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. This model's minimalist design and warm finish is perfect for the Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina thought was an improvement over cheaper cots that have an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. But at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately, this bed isn't cheap baby cots, and it requires an Allen key to get it up and running.

The cot for the Elementary is a less expensive option that will provide your baby a peaceful night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were praised by our parent testers. The cot can be folded down and stored easily because it fits in bags that are similar to the one used to store a camping chair. It's a little lighter than the average cot which means it might not be suitable for car camping but it should be fine for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot too much.

We recommend the SnuzKot as an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your baby until they are around four years old. Our dad tester loved the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed and create the feeling of a cocoon by putting up a fabric canopy.

Safety

A good cot will not only meet UK safety standards, but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, as well as a solid base, so your baby can't easily get out. Some cot beds will also have additional features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you organize your life while your baby is growing.

Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its traditional style is suitable for all homes and is made of sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There's also an extension kit available which can convert it to a full-sized bed once your child's ready.

This stylish and simple cot is a great choice if you're on a budget. It's simple to put together and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height of your baby as he grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a good buy for the price.

This is a fantastic option If you're looking for an expensive cot. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It can last until your child are around three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to another.

This cot is light at only 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It is also very durable, with strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little difficult. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a bit more expensive than the other cots that we looked at, but it is worth the price for its longevity and practicality.

Design

When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't overlook the style. It is essential to choose a cot that is both practical and attractive.

The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the best cot newborn Mini Cot Bed for those who love design. Its sleek, modern version of the traditional sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types can have. It also offers storage space, and comes with an extra drawer that slides under the cot, and teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.

Alternately, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that would suit any nursery. It's made to be used until your child is six years old, converting first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the only cot beds we've tested with an opening as well as a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a good choice for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.

Another option with a smart panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit the decor of your nursery. Our mum testers loved its clever features and the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also among the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to follow instructions. It is also an excellent alternative for those with limited space as it can be flat-packed and rolled down. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for children from birth through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used until 10 years of age.

Convertability

There are a lot of baby essentials you need to think about as you become a new parent. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you want something that will last for as long as you can and will grow with your child to provide them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

Although most cots 4 tots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go a step further than this. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus 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 the longest-lasting selection on our list, because it is designed to last through childhood to.

It's expensive when compared to other cot beds that we test, but it comes with an elegant appearance and feel that would fit in with any nursery. The instructions could be more simple, but our parents testers were awed by how easy it was them to build and install. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

This cot comes with four base heights for the mattress. This is an improvement over the three most popular options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and level. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip on the top ranked cribs to guard it from being bitten.

The grey finish was the preferred of our dad test-driver. It's not expensive however it offers great value for money as it will last your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with a one-year warranty which gives you assurance that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.