How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to consider, the best cot bed is among the most important purchases. We've created this guide to assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable choice that can grow with your child. It has three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When you think of cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also a range of options with different amounts of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years and beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it in the event that you need an item that lasts for years rather than just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its elegant design and simple design, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for an excellent crib that can stand the years. Our testers for parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. The cot bed also comes with a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was a better option than some less expensive cots with an inbuilt drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately the bed isn't cheap, and it does require an Allen key to make it functional.
The cot for the Elementary is a cheaper option that will give your baby a comfortable night's sleep. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our testers with parents loved the simple design and simple assembly. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, as it fits into bags similar to the one used to store a camping chair. It's not the best choice for car camping, but should be fine for apartment life or those who don't need to move their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to opt for 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 create a cocoon like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and feel secure. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby cannot easily get out. Some cot beds include extra features, such as teething rails and drawers under the bed that can help you organize your home while your little one is growing.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure safety. There is also an extension kit available which can convert it to a full-sized bed when your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattress and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this is a great option. It offers four mattress positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is about three years old. It also folds flat and has locks on the wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.
The cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've test at 6kg. It's also very sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. Our test subjects found it a little difficult to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to prevent fingers from getting trapped between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't neglect the design. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long time so it's essential to find one you like as well as is functional and practical.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the ideal cot for those who love design. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh design isn't as bulky that these types of cots can provide. It has plenty of space-saving storage and storage options, including a drawer that fits underneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in an elegant panel design that will fit in with any nursery. her comment is here 's designed to last until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the cot beds that we've tested with draw, a hanging rail and teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot to stand the test of 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 your nursery decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were awed by the features. It's also the easiest cot beds to put together. All the pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It takes an ordinary cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that allows it to be used up until your child is 10 years old. old.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as a new parent. But 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 to give them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into an infant (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, because it should see your child through from birth to childhood.
It's a bit pricey in comparison to other cot beds that we tested, but it has a premium look and feel that will suit any nursery. The instructions could be more simple, but our parents testers were awed by how easy it was to construct and install. This is a minor fault however, since it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four mattress base heights. This is an upgrade over the three standard options. This allows you to adjust it as your child gets older, since they may require an upper or lower base level based on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip on the top to guard it from being bitten.
The cot is available in several different Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was especially attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not cheap but it offers great value since it will last your child until they reach the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by a one-year warranty, so you have peace of mind that it's durable and durable. The only thing that you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.