How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

With so many baby essentials to consider, a top crib bed is among the most important buys. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you choose the perfect bed for your little one.

This premium option fits perfectly to be used in Scandi style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height positions as well as the option of removing the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

There's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options that have different lifespans some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years or even beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that will last for a long time instead of just a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design. It's a great option for parents who want an excellent crib that can stand the years. Our testers for parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina thought was superior to less expensive cots with an integrated drawer, as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top ranked cribs of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. This cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setting up.

The cot for the Elementary is a less expensive option that will give your baby a good night's rest. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. The simple design and easy assembly were praised by our parent testers. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, since it can fit into a bag the size of the one used for a camping chair. It's a little on the lightweight side, meaning it may not be ideal for camping in the car, however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't want to move their cot all the time.

The SnuzKot is another good affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed and create the feeling of a cocoon with its fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only meet UK safety standards, but also feel solid and secure. Look for a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid base so that your child is unable to get out. Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails or under-bed storage drawers that will help you stay organized while your baby grows.

The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of your purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up for peace of mind) and has an option to add an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This simple, stylish cot is a great option if you're on a budget. It's easy to assemble and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your child grows. It will fit most standard cot mattresses and is a great buy for the price.

If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this one is a great option. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It'll last your baby cot online (socialbookmarknew.win) until they reach the age of three. It folds flat and comes with lockable wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.

This cot is very light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It is also very robust with a sturdy frame that will stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. They noted that the slats are spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught in between them. It's also more expensive than other cheap cots that we have reviewed, however the quality and durability make it worth the investment.

Design

When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't neglect the style. Your baby's cot will be in use for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one that you love as well as is functional and practical.

The classic ickle bubba 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 usually come with. It's got plenty of storage space and Best Infant cribs storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. Our mum tester found it sturdy and robust with a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.

The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that will be suitable for any nursery. It's designed to last until they reach the age of six old. It transforms into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cot cribs beds that we tested with a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.

Another option with a sleek panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit the decor of your nursery. Our mum testers loved its unique features, with the storage drawer being especially useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also among the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with limited space, since it can be folded and then flat-packed. It fits an ordinary cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit that allows it to be used until your child is 10 years old.

Convertibility

If you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you want something that will last for as long as it can and will change with your child to give them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for toddlers. Our top rated cots choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which can be converted into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, since it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.

It's a little more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried however its superior design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could be more precise, but our parent testers were awed by how easy it was for to construct and install. This is not a major issue however, since it was still very simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.

The cot comes with four different base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child grows. They may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to guard it from biting.

This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not inexpensive, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will see your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with an assurance of one year to ensure that it will last. The only thing that you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.