How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for any baby. We've created this guide to help find the best rated cribs choice for your baby.

This high-end option works perfectly to be used in Scandi style nursery. It's a sturdy and durable option that grows with your child, offering three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are also a range of options that offer different levels of durability and some convert into toddler beds to be used through the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be converted into a bed are more expensive, however they last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those looking for an excellent cot that will last for a lifetime. The sleek design and warm-toned finish is perfect for the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina felt was a better option than some less expensive cots with an integrated drawer, as well as a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this bed isn't cheap, and it does require an Allen key to get it up and running.

A more affordable alternative that will still provide your baby a good night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The easy design and simple assembly were highly praised by our parent testers. The cot is small when folded and can be tucked and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's a bit light which means it might not be ideal for car camping however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't intend to move their cot all the time.

The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to opt for 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 toddler bed and create a cocoon like feeling with its canopy made of fabric.

Safety

A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design that includes sides or safety bars and a solid base to ensure that your child is unable to be able to climb out. Some cot beds will also have additional features such as teething rails and drawers under the bed which can help organize your home while your little one is growing.

The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide reassurance) and has an option of an extension kit that can take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This simple but stylish cot is a good choice for those on a tight budget. It's simple to put together and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is a great crib purchase for the price.

If you're looking for a premium cot, this one is a great choice. It has an impressive four mattress base positions when in cot mode and will last until your child is around three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it portable to move it from one room to another.

This cot is very light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag for travel. It is also very robust with strong frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our testers found it to be a bit tricky to put together, but the instructions were clear and well-written. They also noted that the slats are spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.

Design

It's easy to overlook the style when purchasing a cot-bed. The crib of your Baby Cot Bed will be used for a long time, so it's essential to find one that you enjoy and also is practical and functional.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these beds usually have. It's packed with storage space-saving features and storage options, including a drawer that fits underneath the cot and teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.

If you prefer alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that will look great in any nursery. It is made to last until they reach six years old. old. It can be converted into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds (nagievonline.com) we tested that has draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it a great option for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.

The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has a panelled design. It is available in a variety of colours to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those with a small space, as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years of age.

Convertibility

If you're a new parent there are a myriad 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 grow with your child, ensuring that they have a secure place to sleep.

While the majority of cots can be transformed into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go beyond this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice, as it will last from birth until the time of their childhood.

It's a bit pricey compared to some of the other cot beds we've evaluated, but it offers a premium design and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed with how easy it was to build and set up, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This is a minor flaw, though, considering it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

Another impressive aspect of this cot is that it has four mattress base heights, which is an upgrade on the three most popular options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need an upper or lower base level depending on their age and capabilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to protect it from being bitten.

This cot comes in several different Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was keen on the grey finish. It's not inexpensive but it's great value for money as it will last your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with an one-year guarantee, so you have confidence that it's durable and durable. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is a mattress that's not included.