How to Choose the best cot bed (Read the Full Post)

The best cot bed is a essential item for any baby. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect bed for your little one.

This high-end option works perfectly in Scandi style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child. It has three mattress height positions as well as the option of removing the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are also different options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years or beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed tend to be more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid if you want a cot that lasts for many years, not just the duration of a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its elegant design and simple design making it a great choice for parents looking for an extremely high-quality cot that will stand up to the test of time. Our parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look beautiful in a contemporary nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina considered to be an excellent alternative to less expensive cots that have a drawer built in. It also has an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting caught. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately the cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to get it up and running.

A more budget-friendly alternative that will still provide your baby a comfy night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and easy assembly. The cot can be folded down and stored easily as it fits into bags that are similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's not the best choice for camping in the car however it's suitable for apartment life or those who won't be moving their cot too much.

The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimal-looking toddler bed and created the feeling of a cocoon with its fabric canopy.

Safety

A good cot will not only meet UK safety standards, but also feel sturdy and secure. Choose a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides and solid foundations that your child can't be able to climb out. Some cots include extra features, such as teething rails or under-bed storage drawers which can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.

Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and is made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for safety. There's an extension kit available that can transform it to a larger bed when your child is ready.

This stylish but simple cot is a great choice for those on a limited budget. It's easy to assemble and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height as your child grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is an excellent purchase for the price.

If you're looking for a premium 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 until they are about three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to the next.

This cot is very light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable with an extremely sturdy frame that can stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting stuck between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the investment for its durability and utility.

Design

When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't forget the design. The cot you choose for your baby will be in use for a long time, so it's important to find one you like as well as is practical and functional.

The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the perfect cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the classic sleigh style isn't as bulky that these cots are known for. It's got plenty of space-saving storage, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the sides. Our mother test subject found it to be robust and durable with a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.

Alternatively alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a stylish panel design that will look great in any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they reach the age of six older. It converts into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cots that we tested with the option of a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.

Another option with a smart panel 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 including the storage drawer being especially useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also among the easiest cot beds to build, with all pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space because it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used until 10 years old.

Convertibility

There are many baby cots on sale essentials you need to think about as the new parent. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that lasts for as long as it can and will grow with your child, giving them a safe and secure place to sleep.

Although most cots can be converted into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go a step further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It converts into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm), it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, since it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.

It's not cheap compared to some of the other cot beds that we evaluated, but it offers an attractive design and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed with how easy it was to set up and build however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This is not a major issue, however, as it was still a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

This cot has four different base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade over the three most popular options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child gets older, cot bed as they may need a higher or lower base level based on their age and abilities. It comes with teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip at the top rated cots to stop it from being bit.

The grey finish was the preferred of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap but it's great value for money as it will last your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranties, so you have assurance that it's durable and durable. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress which isn't included.