The No. 1 Question Everybody Working In Best Cot Bed Needs To Know How To Answer
How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. This guide has been created to help you choose the right bed for your baby.
A premium option that will look great in Scandi-style nursery rooms. It's a sturdy and long-lasting 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 it comes to cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options with different amounts of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds to be used throughout the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be converted into beds are more expensive, however they will last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its elegant design and simple design making it a great choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality cot that will stand the test of time. Our testers for parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks beautiful in a contemporary nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina considered to be more suitable than cheaper cots which have a drawer built-in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting caught. The cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key to set up.
The Elementary cot is a less expensive option that can give your baby a good night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were well-loved by our parent testers. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored and easily tucked away into a bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's light, meaning it may not be suitable for camping in the car however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't want to move their cot too much.
infant cot bed is an additional budget-friendly cot we recommend particularly if you decide to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they are around four years old. Our dad tester loved that it could be transformed into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created the feeling of a cocoon with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides, and a solid base so that your baby is not able to climb out. Some cots come with 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 converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide peace of mind) and comes with an option for an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It's easy to set up and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most standard cot mattresses and is a great value buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great choice. It comes with four mattress 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 easy for moving it from one room to another.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is one of the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that will withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. They also noted that the slats are sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when you are buying a cot bed. Your baby's cot will be used for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one you like as well as is functional and practical.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the best 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 beds can often come with. It also has plenty of storage space and features an extra drawer that slides under the cot, plus teething rails that can be affixed to the side of the. Our mother tester found it solid and sturdy with a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that can suit any nursery. It is designed to last your child until they are six years older. It can be converted into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we've tested with an opening, a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a good choice for parents who want their cot bed to stand the test of time.
Another option with a smart panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed by its features. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have a limited space, since it can be collapsed and flat-packed. It fits a standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. older.
Convertibility
If you're a newly-wed there are a myriad of baby essentials to think about. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that will last as long as possible and will grow with your child to give them a safe and secure place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which can be converted into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice that will last your child from birth until childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested however, its high-end appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed with how easy it was to build and set up, although they did note that the instructions could be clearer. This is a minor fault, however, as it was still a breeze and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four mattress base heights. This is an upgrade over the three most common options. cribs allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They might require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and capabilities. It comes with teething rails which are helpful as well as a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from getting bitten.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap however it offers excellent value for money since it will take your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with an assurance of one year so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.