3 Reasons You're Not Getting Best Cot Bed Isn't Performing (And Solutions To Resolve It)
How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to consider, a top cot bed is one of the most important items to purchase. We've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect bed for your baby.
This premium option fits perfectly in Scandi style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child, offering three mattress height options and the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a variety of choices that come with different durations some of which can be converted into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years or beyond. The ones that can be turned into a bed are more expensive, but they will last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design making it a great option for parents who want a top quality cot that will stand the years. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish is perfect for an Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer that mum tester Katrina felt was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. However, at over PS599 with a mattress sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to start it up.
A less expensive option that will still give your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The easy design and simple assembly were well-loved by our parent testers. The cot is small when folded and can be stored away easily too, fitting into a bag that's about the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's a bit lighter than the average cot which means it might 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.
We recommend the SnuzKot for an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad testers loved the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed and gave an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design that includes safety bars or sides and solid foundations to ensure that your child is unable to be able to climb out. Some cots include extra features, such as teething rails or under-bed storage drawers which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby grows.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There is also an extension kit which can convert it to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked components 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 mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
This is a great choice if you are looking for a high-end cot. It offers four mattress base positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it portable to move it from one room to another.
This cot is light at only 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It's also very sturdy, with a strong frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting trapped between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots that we looked at however, it's worth the price for its longevity and practicality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when purchasing a cot-bed. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the best cot for design lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the traditional sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types can have. It also doesn't skimp on storage space and features an extra drawer that slides under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be attached to the side. Our mom tester found it sturdy and robust and has the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to expand with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that will suit any nursery. It's designed to last until they are six years 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 draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot bed to stand the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with an elegant panel design. Cots 4 Tots is available in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. Our mum testers loved its nifty features including the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It's also the easiest cot beds to put together. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great alternative for those with little space since it can be folded flat and rolled down. It takes an ordinary cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child is 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are a lot of baby essentials that you must consider when a new parent. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, so that they have a safe bed to sleep in.
While the majority of cots can be transformed into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit, some cot beds are designed to go a step further than this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, as it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.
It's expensive compared to some of the other cot beds we've evaluated, but it offers a premium appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. The instructions could have been more simple, but our parents testers were awed by how easy it was for to construct and set up. This is not a major issue, however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another impressive aspect of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights, which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child grows. They may require a lower or higher base level based on their age and abilities. It also comes with teething rails as well as a plastic strip that runs along the top to protect it from being bitten.
This cot comes 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 as it will last your child through toddlerhood and beyond. Plus, it's covered by an one-year guarantee and gives you confidence that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.