How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many essentials for babies to consider, a top cot bed is one of the most important purchases. cot for sale 've created this guide 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 durable choice that can grow with your child, with three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are a variety of options that have different lifespans and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the preschool years or beyond. Naturally, those which convert into beds are generally more expensive, but the investment could be worth it when you're looking for a cot that will last for a long time instead of just the duration of a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous aesthetics and easy-to assemble design makes it a fantastic choice for parents looking for a high-quality cot that will last for a long time. Our parent testers appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks beautiful in a contemporary nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was an improvement over cheaper cots that come with 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 caught in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately the crib isn't cheap. It does require an Allen key to make it functional.
A more affordable option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parents who tested it. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, as it fits into a bag the size of that used for a camping chair. It's light and therefore may not be ideal for camping in the car, but it should be fine to live in apartments or for those who don't want to move their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they are around four years old. Our father tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist toddler bed and create an atmosphere of cocoons by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and feel secure. Choose a sturdy design with sides or safety bars and solid foundations to ensure that your child is unable to be able to climb out. Some cot beds come with extra features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has been through three children and still looks amazing." Its traditional design is suitable for all homes and is made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide reassurance) and has an option for an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice if you're on a budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this is a great option. It offers four mattress positions in the cot position and will last until your baby is about three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from room to.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is one of the lightest cots we test at 6kg. It is also very durable and has a sturdy frame that will stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a little difficult. The slats were set apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other cots we reviewed but it's well worth the cost for its longevity and practicality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when you are buying a cot bed. The crib of your baby will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one you like and also is functional and practical.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic bed is the ideal bed for design-lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh style isn't as bulky that these cots are known for. It also offers storage space, and comes with a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, and teething rails that can be attached to the side of the. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it expand with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with a panelled design that can fit in with any nursery. It's made to last until your child reaches six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we've tested with an opening with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a good choice for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.
Another option with a sleek panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. Our mom testers were impressed by its unique features, with the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothing. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to put together. All the pieces are clearly labeled and the instructions are simple to follow. It is also an excellent alternative for those with little space since it can be flat-packed and rolled down. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used until 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as you become a new parent. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a safe place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, because it will last your child through from birth to childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium look and feel will fit in any nursery. The instructions could have been more clear, but our parent testers were impressed by how easy it was them to build and put up. This isn't a major issue, though, considering it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows because they might require an upper or lower base level based on their age and ability. It includes teething rails which are helpful as well as a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from getting bitten.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was particularly impressed by the grey finish. 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 one-year warranties and gives you confidence that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress, which isn't included.