12 Companies Leading The Way In Best Cot Bed
How to Choose best cot beds Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for any baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the ideal bed for your baby.
A premium option that is perfect for 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 converted into toddler beds to be used in the preschool years or beyond. Of course, the ones which convert into beds tend to be more expensive, but the investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that lasts for a long time instead of just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design making it a great choice for parents looking for a top quality cot that will stand the test of time. The sleek design and warm finish is perfect for the Scandi nursery. This cot bed 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 cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. The cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setup.
A more affordable alternative that will still provide your baby a comfy night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were well-loved by our parent testers. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away away easily too, fitting into a carry bag that's as big as the carry case for a camp chair. It's a little light which means it might not be ideal for camping in the car however it's suitable for living in an apartment or for those who don't intend to move their cot around too much.
The SnuzKot is another good affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our father tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created 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 should also be sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design that has sides or safety bars and solid foundations that your child can't easily climb out. Some cot beds will also come with extra features such as teething rails and under-bed drawers that can help you organize your life while your baby is growing.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There's also an extension kit which can convert it to a full-sized bed when your child's ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great choice for those on a limited budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It'll last your baby until they reach the age of three. It also can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it very convenient to move it from room to room.
The cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is among the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that can withstand noisy toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting trapped between them. It's also a bit more expensive than the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the cost for its durability and utility.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't forget the style. It's important that you choose a cot that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the best bed for design-lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh style doesn't have that bulky feeling that these types of cots can provide. It's packed with space-saving storage such as the drawer that is built into the cot and teething rails on the sides. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.
If you prefer alternatively, 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 later to a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cots 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 panels. It comes in a variety of colours to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were awed by the features. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used up to 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are a lot of baby essentials that you should consider as you become a new parent. 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 just a bed for children. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, because it should see your child through childhood to.
It's a bit pricey compared to some of the other cot beds that we tested, but it has a premium design and feel that will suit any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was to construct and put up. This isn't a big issue, however, as it was still very simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
Another impressive feature of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three most popular options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need a lower or higher base level depending on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip along the top to shield it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad's testers. It's not cheap however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy an additional mattress, which isn't included.