How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to consider, a top cot bed is among the most important buys. So we've put together this guide to help you find the ideal bed for your baby.
This high-end option works perfectly to be used in Scandi style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, offering three mattress height options and the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are also different choices that come with different durations some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used in the age of preschool or beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into beds are generally more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it in the event that you need a cot that will last for years rather than just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design. It's a great choice for those who want a top quality crib that can stand the years. The sleek design and warm color is perfect for an Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was an excellent alternative to less expensive cots that have a drawer built-in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting caught. The cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setup.
A more affordable option that will still give your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and easy assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away 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 ideal for car camping but it's a good choice for living in an apartment or for those who don't plan to move their cot for too long.
We suggest the SnuzKot as 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 baby until they reach around four years old. visit link liked that it could be transformed into a minimalist toddler bed, and also create a cocoon like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and secure. Choose a sturdy design that includes sides or safety bars and an erect base that your child can't easily climb out. Some cots include extra features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you keep things organised as your baby is growing.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of the purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There's also an extension kit available that can transform it to a full-sized bed once your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height of your baby as he grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.
This is a fantastic option If you're looking for an extremely high-end cot. It offers four mattress positions in cot mode and will last until your child is around three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option for moving it from room to.
This cot comes with handy travel bag and is one of the smallest cots that we test at 6kg. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little difficult. The slats were set apart to keep fingers from getting trapped between them. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other cots we looked at however, it's worth the price for its longevity and practicality.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't neglect the design. The cot you choose for your baby will be used for a long period of time, therefore it's crucial to choose one that you love and also is practical and functional.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal bed for those who love design with its sleek, modern design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds usually feature. It also doesn't skimp on space-saving storage and has a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.
If you prefer you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a smart panelled look that would suit any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they reach six years old. older. It converts into a junior mattress, and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the only a handful of cot beds that we tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were awed by the features. It's also the easiest cot bed to assemble. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the directions are easy to follow. It is also an excellent option for those with little space since it can be rolled up and rolled down. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth through toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertability
If you're a newly-wed there are a myriad of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a safe bed to sleep in.
Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into an infant (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, because it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.
It's a little more expensive than the other cot beds we tested, but its premium look and feel will fit in any nursery. Our parents who tested it were amazed by how easy it was to put together and construct however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This is a minor fault however, as it was still very simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
This cot has four different base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child develops. They may need a lower or higher base level based on their age and ability. It includes teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip at the top to keep it from getting bitten.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was especially keen on the grey finish. It's not cheap, however it is a an excellent value, because it will last your child into the toddler years and beyond. Plus, it's covered by an one-year guarantee which gives you peace of mind that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.