How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. This guide will help find the best choice for your baby.

This high-end option works perfectly it perfectly Scandi style nursery. This sturdy and durable choice will grow with your child, with three mattress positions and the ability to take the sides off to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to cots to tots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are a variety of options with different lifespans some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the preschool years or even beyond. Of course, the ones which convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the investment could be worth it in the event that you need a cot that will last for years rather than just the duration of a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent option for parents who want a top quality cot that will stand the years. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look fantastic in the Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was a better choice than some cheaper cots which have a drawer built in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting caught. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately, this bed isn't cheap cots, and it does require an Allen key to start it up.

A more affordable option that will still give your baby a good night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents liked the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is foldable into a compact size and stored since it can fit into a bag the size of that used for a camping chair. It's a bit on the lightweight side, meaning it may not be ideal for camping in the car but it's a good choice for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot around for too long.

The SnuzKot is another good budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your child until around four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact it converted to an unassuming toddler bed and gave the feeling of a cocoon 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 sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy design that includes safety bars or sides, as well as solid foundations to ensure that your child is unable to be able to climb out. Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage that will aid you in staying organized as your baby develops.

The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There is an extension kit available that can transform it to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.

This stylish and simple cot is a great option if you're on a budget. It's simple to put together and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattress and is a great purchase for the price.

This is an excellent choice If you're looking for an expensive cot. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It'll last until your child are about three years old. It can be folded flat and has locking wheels, making it extremely convenient to move it from room to room.

This cot is very light at just 6kg, and comes with a great crib bag to carry it around in. It's also extremely sturdy, with a strong frame that can handle the raging toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little difficult to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the durability and functionality are worth the cost.

Design

It's easy to overlook the style when buying a cot-bed. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one you like and also is practical and functional.

The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the best cot for those who love design. Its sleek, modern version of the classic sleigh style doesn't have that bulky feeling that these types of cots can provide. It also doesn't skimp on storage space and features a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.

Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a stylish panel design that would suit any nursery. It's made to last until they reach the age of six old. It transforms into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested that has an opening with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it an excellent choice for parents who want their cot to last for a long time.

Another option with a sleek panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit the decor of your nursery. Our mom testers loved its clever features, with the drawer for storage being particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It is also one of the easiest cot bed to put together. All the pieces are clearly labelled, and the directions are easy to follow. It is also an excellent alternative for those with limited space because it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years of age.

Convertibility

If you're a newly-wed there are a myriad of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important is a 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 secure and comfortable place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, since it should see your child through from birth to childhood.

It's a little more expensive than the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was for to construct and install. This is a minor fault, however, as it was still a breeze and took just 30 minutes to complete.

This cot comes with four mattress base heights. This is an improvement over the three most recommended cribs common options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows because they might require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and level. It includes teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip at the top to stop it from being bit.

The grey finish was the preferred of our dad tester. It is not cheap but it's a an excellent value, as it will last your child until they reach toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with an one-year guarantee and gives you confidence that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.