How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to consider, a top crib bed is among the most important purchases. This guide will help find the best choice for your baby.
This high-end option works perfectly to be used in Scandi style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child. It has three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used in the preschool years or beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid in the event that you need a cot that will last for years rather than just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its stunning design and easy to assemble make it an ideal choice for those looking for an upscale cot that can last for a long time. Our testers for parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look beautiful in a contemporary nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was superior to less expensive cots with a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic across the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to start it up.
The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that will provide your baby a good night's rest. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is foldable into a compact size and stored because it fits in bags similar to the one used for the camping chair. It's light which means it might not be ideal for camping in the car, but it should be fine to live in apartments or for those who don't plan to move their cot around too much.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our father tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed and create the feeling of a cocoon with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A good cot will not only meet UK safety standards, but also feel sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy design with safety bars or sides and solid foundations to ensure that your child is unable to easily get out. Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails or drawers under the bed which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby develops.
The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There's an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed when your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is an excellent choice for those with a tight budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height of your baby as he grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great option. It offers four mattress base positions when in the cot position and will last until your child is around three years old. It also folds flat and comes with locking wheels, making it extremely mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with a handy travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. cheap cot beds 's also extremely robust, with a sturdy frame that will stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little difficult to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. They noted that the slats are far enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't overlook the style. It's important that you choose a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the best bed for those who appreciate design, with its sleek modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds can often have. It's packed with space-saving storage such as a drawer that fits underneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. Our mother tester found it robust and durable, with three positions of base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that can suit any nursery. It is made to last until they reach six years old. older. It can be converted into a junior mattress, and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also one of only a few cot beds that we have tested with a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with panels. It comes in a variety of colours to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were awed by the features. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to put together. 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 flat-packed and collapsed. It can be used with the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child is 10 years of age.
Convertibility
If you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child so that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
While most cots can be transformed into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit some cots are made to go a step further than this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice that will last your child from birth until the age of.
It's more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried, but its premium appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parents were impressed by how simple it was to put together and construct, although they did note that the instructions could be clearer. This is a minor flaw however, as it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another impressive characteristic of this cot is that it comes with four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child gets older, because they might require a higher or lower base level based on their age and level. crib sets comes with teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to protect it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad's testers. It's not expensive but it's great value for money as it will take your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with an assurance of one year to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress, which is not included.