Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Best Cot Bed

How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect choice for your baby.

A top-quality option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable option that grows with your child. It has three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to cots there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also a range of options with different amounts of longevity and even convert into toddler beds that can be used into the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be transformed into a bed are more expensive, but they'll last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its elegant design and simple design. It's a great choice for those who want an extremely high-quality cot that will stand the years. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look great in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer that mum tester Katrina found to be superior to less expensive cots with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. But at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately the bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to make it functional.

The cot for the Elementary is a more affordable option that will give your baby a peaceful night's rest. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parents who tested it. The cot is small when folded and can be put away away easily too, fitting into a carry bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's a little lighter than the average cot and therefore may not be ideal for car camping but it's a good choice for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot too much.

The SnuzKot is another good cribs affordable cot that we suggest particularly if you decide to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach around four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be converted into a modern-looking toddler bed and create an atmosphere of cocoons with its canopy made of fabric.

Safety

A good cot 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 foundation, so that your child is unable to climb out. Some cot beds will also come with extra features such as teething rails and drawers under the bed which can help keep things organised while your little one is growing.

Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its traditional style is suitable for all homes and it's made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you security) and comes with an option of an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This simple, stylish cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's easy to assemble and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is a great buy for the price.

This is an excellent choice when you're in search of an extremely high-end cot. It comes with four mattress base positions when in the cot position and will last until your baby is three years old. It can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it extremely portable if you need to move it from room to room.

This cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is one of the lightest cots and tots we test at 6kg. It's also extremely robust with strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little challenging. They also noted that the slats are spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than some of the other cots we looked at, but it is worth the price for its durability and utility.

Design

When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't overlook the design. The cot you choose for your baby will be in use for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that you enjoy and is also functional and practical.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the perfect bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek contemporary version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds often come with. It also doesn't skimp on storage space, and comes with a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be attached to the side. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base allows it to expand with your baby.

The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that will fit in with any nursery. It's designed to last until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the only cot beds we tested to have a draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it an excellent option for parents who want their cot bed to stand the test of time.

Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of color options to fit the decor of your nursery cots. Our mum testers loved its nifty features and the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also the most simple cot beds to put together. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with little space since it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used until 10 years of age.

Convertability

If you're a newly-wed there are a lot of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child, so they can have a safe place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for toddlers. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, since it should see your child through childhood to.

It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds that we tested, but it has an attractive appearance and feel that would be a perfect fit for any nursery. Our parents were impressed by how simple it was to build and set up however they did mention that the instructions could be more clear. This is not a major issue however, since it was still a breeze and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

Another great characteristic of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress heights for the base that are an improvement on the three most popular options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and ability. It comes with teething rails that are useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from being bit.

The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap however it offers great value for money as it will take your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. Plus, it's covered by a one-year warranty, so you have peace of mind that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is a mattress, that's not included.