How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. We've created this guide to assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.

A high-quality bed that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable choice that can grow with your child, with three mattress height options and the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When you think of cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are a variety of choices that come with different durations and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds to be used in the preschool years or even beyond. Obviously, the ones which convert into beds are generally more expensive but the extra cost can be well-repaid in the event that you need a cot that lasts for many years, not just a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design. It's a great choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality crib that can stand the years. Our parent testers liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look beautiful in a contemporary nursery. The cot bed also has 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 across the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. The cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setup.

The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that can give your baby a comfortable night's rest. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were praised by our parent testers. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away easily, fitting into a bag that's as big as the carry case for a camp chair. It's a bit on the lightweight side and therefore may not be ideal for camping in the car however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't intend to move their cot around all the time.

We recommend the SnuzKot for another cot for under $100, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It can grow with your child until they're around four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed, and also created the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards but also feel solid and secure. Look for a robust design with safety bars or sides, as well as a solid base, so your baby can't be able to climb out. Some cots include extra features such as teething rails, or drawers under the bed which can aid you in staying organized as your baby develops.

The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you security) and also has the option for an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This stylish and simple 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 settings that allow you to alter the height as your child grows. It fits most standard cot mattress and is a great purchase for the price.

This is a great choice If you're looking for a high-end cot. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It'll keep your baby safe until they reach the age of three. It also folds flat and has locks on the wheels, making it mobile if you have to move it from room to room.

The cot comes with a handy travel bag and is one of the lightest cots we tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also very sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can handle boisterous toddlers. Our test subjects found it a little challenging to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. They also noted that the slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the durability and functionality are worth the cost.

Design

When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't neglect the style. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long period of time, so it's essential to find one that you love as well as is practical and useful.

The classic ickle bubba Bed is the perfect cot bed for design lovers, with its sleek modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds can often feature. It also doesn't skimp on storage space and features an extra drawer that slides under the cot, plus teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.

Alternately you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a stylish panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It's designed to last until your child reaches six years old, and then it transforms first into a junior bed and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a few cot beds that we tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.

The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with a panelled design. It comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were impressed by the features. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to put together. The pieces are clearly labeled and the instructions are simple to follow. It's also a great option for those with a small space as it can be collapsed and flat-packed. It fits an ordinary cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit that allows it to be used until your child is 10 years of age.

Convertibility

There are a variety of baby cot online necessities that you must consider when the new parent. One of the most important is a 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.

Some affordable cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top rated cots choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which can be converted into an infant cot bed bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice and will last your child from birth through the time of their childhood.

It's a bit more expensive than the other cot-beds we tested however, its high-end look and feel will fit in any nursery. Our parents were impressed by how simple it was to put together and construct, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This is a minor flaw however, as it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an improvement over the three most popular options. This allows you to adjust it as your child gets older, since they may require a lower or higher base level based on their age and abilities. It also comes with teething rails and a strip on the top to shield it from being bitten.

The grey finish was the favorite of our dad's testers. It is not cheap but it's a great value as it will last your child into the age of toddler and beyond. Additionally, it comes with one-year warranties and gives you confidence that it's durable and durable. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress which is not included.