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 locate the ideal bed for your baby.

A premium option that will look great in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. This sturdy and durable choice can grow with your baby with three mattress positions and the ability to remove 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 a myriad of options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used throughout the age of preschool or beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive, but the investment can really pay off if you want a cot that lasts for many years, not just a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. Our testers for parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with 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 that runs along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. The cot bed isn't cheap cot beds, and requires an Allen key for setting up.

The cot for the Elementary is a cheaper option that will provide your baby cots on sale a good night's sleep. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our testers with parents loved the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored and easily tucked away into a bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not ideal for camping in the car, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot around too often.

The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot we recommend, especially if you choose 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 toddler bed, and also create the feeling of a cocoon with its canopy made of fabric.

Safety

A cot that is safe and sturdy must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and feel secure. Choose a sturdy design that includes safety bars or sides, as well as a solid base to ensure that your child is unable to easily get out. Some cot beds will also include extra features such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib, which can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.

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 converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you peace of mind) and also has the option for an extension kit that can take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This simple, stylish cot is a great option when you're on a tight budget. It is easy 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 most standard crib mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.

If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this one is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It'll last until your child reach the age of three. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to the next.

The cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is among the lightest cots we tested at 6kg. It is also very robust, with an extremely sturdy frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little difficult. They noted that the slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught in between them. It's also a bit more expensive than the other cots we looked at however, it's worth the investment for its durability and utility.

Design

It's easy to overlook the style when buying a cot-bed. It's important that you choose the cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek, modern design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds often feature. It also offers storage space, and comes with an extra drawer that slides under the cot, and teething rails that can be attached to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.

If you prefer you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a smart panelled look that would suit any nursery. It's made 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 the only cot beds we tested to have a draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it a good option 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 your nursery decor. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were impressed with the features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to put together, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great option for those who have a limited space, as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years old.

Convertibility

When you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby cots on sale must-haves to consider. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you need something that will last for as long as you can and will grow with your child to provide them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.

Although most cots can be converted to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit, some cot beds are designed to go further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It converts into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) as well as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability that will last your child from birth until childhood.

It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds we've evaluated, but it offers an elegant appearance and feel that would fit in with any nursery. The instructions could have been more clear, but our parent testers were awed by how easy it was for them to build and install. This is a minor flaw but it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

Another great aspect of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights, which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require a higher or lower base level, based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to guard it from being bitten.

The cot is available in several different Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was especially keen on the grey finish. It's not cheap cot beds however it is a an excellent value, because it will last into toddlerhood and beyond. Plus, it's covered by an one-year guarantee, so you have assurance that it will be sturdy and durable. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress, which is not included.