How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many essentials for babies to think about, choosing the ideal cot bed is among the most important items to purchase. This guide has been created to assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
best cot newborn -end option works perfectly in Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable choice can expand with your baby with three mattress positions, and the ability remove the sides to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options that provide different amounts of longevity and even convert into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years and beyond. The ones that can be transformed into beds are more expensive, however they will 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 who want an excellent cot that will last for a long time. The sleek design and warm-toned finish is perfect for the Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina considered to be more suitable than less expensive cots that have an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting caught. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately the crib isn't cheap. It does require an Allen key to get it up and running.
A more affordable option that still gives your baby a good night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is small when folded and can be put away and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's on the lightweight side, meaning it may not be suitable for car camping but it should be fine to live in apartments or for those who don't plan to move their cot for too long.
We recommend the SnuzKot for another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your baby until they are around four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be transformed into a modern-looking toddler bed and create the feeling of a cocoon by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Find a sturdy style with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your child is unable to move out. Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails or drawers under the bed which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby grows.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still stunning." Its classic design will suit most homes and is made of sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide security) and comes with an option to add an extension kit that can take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish and simple cot is a good choice if you're on a budget. It's easy to assemble and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options that allow you to alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this one is a great choice. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It will last until your child are around three years old. It folds flat and has locks on the wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with handy travel bag and is one of the smallest cots that we tested at 6kg. It's also extremely durable and has an extremely sturdy frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little difficult. They also noted that the slats were spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other cots that we looked at, but it is worth the price for its longevity and practicality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when purchasing a cot-bed. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long time, therefore it's crucial to choose one you like as well as is functional and practical.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the best cot for those who love design. Its sleek, modern version of the classic sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types of cots can provide. It also has plenty of storage space and features a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be attached to the side. Our mom tester found it robust and durable and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
If you prefer you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that is perfect for any nursery. It's made to last until your child is six years old, and then it transforms first into a junior bed and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a few cot beds that we tested with the option of a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
Another option with a smart panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. Our mom testers were impressed by its unique features including the storage drawer particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It's also the most simple cot beds to assemble. The components are clearly labeled and the directions are easy to follow. It is also an excellent alternative for those with little space since it can be rolled up and rolled down. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertability
If you're a newly-wed there are a myriad of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as you can and evolve with your child, so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
Although most cots can be made to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last from birth to childhood.
It's a bit pricey compared to some of the other cot beds we've tested, but it has an attractive look and feel that will suit 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 fault however, as it was still very simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require a lower or higher base level based on their age and abilities. It also comes with teething rails as well as a plastic strip along the top to protect it from being bitten.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was particularly impressed by the grey finish. It's not expensive, but it does offer an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll have to purchase separately is a mattress, which is not included.