How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute essential item for any baby. This guide has been created to help find the best choice for your baby.
A high-quality bed that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height options and the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
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When you think of cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also a range of options that offer different amounts of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds to be used through the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be transformed into beds are more expensive, but they'll 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 a high-quality cot that will last a lifetime. This model's minimalist design and warm finish will look fantastic in an Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a handy drawer, which mum 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 across the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. However, at over PS599 with a mattress sold separately this bed isn't cheap, and it does require an Allen key to start it up.
A less expensive option that still gives your baby a comfortable night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were praised by our parent testers. The cot can be folded up and stored easily, since it can fit into bags similar to that used for a camping chair. It's lighter than the average cot, meaning it may not be ideal for car camping but it should be fine for living in an apartment or for those who don't intend to move their cot for too long.
The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot we recommend, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created a cocoon like feeling by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and feel secure. Look for a robust design with safety bars or sides, as well as a solid base, so your baby can't easily climb out. hop over to here have additional features such as teething rails and drawers under the bed, which can help you organize your home while your baby is growing.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has been through three children 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 your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There is also an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option if you're on a 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 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 top cot, this one is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It will last until your child are about three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from one room to another.
The cot is extremely light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag to carry it around in. It is also very robust with strong frame that can stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were clear and well-written. They also noted that the slats are spaced enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots we reviewed but it's well worth the price for its durability and functionality.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when purchasing a cot-bed. The crib of your baby will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that you enjoy and also is functional and practical.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the perfect bed for design-lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the traditional sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types can have. It also has plenty of space-saving storage and has an extra drawer that slides under the cot, and teething rails that can be affixed to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with a panelled design that can suit any nursery. It's designed to last until your child reaches six years old, converting first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the cot beds that we tested that has an opening, a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great option for parents who want their cot bed to last for a long time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has an elegant panel design. It comes in a range of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were impressed with the features. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to assemble. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be folded flat and collapsed. It is made of 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 of age.
Convertability
If you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby essentials to think about. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You need something that will last for as long as it can and will change with your child, giving them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
best crib for newborn are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, because it will last your child through from birth to childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tried however, its high-end look and feel will fit in any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed by how simple it was to build and set up however they did mention that the instructions could be clearer. This is not a major issue however, since it was still a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade from the three most common options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need a lower or higher base level based on their age and ability. It comes with teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip on the top to stop it from being bit.
This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was particularly keen on the grey finish. It's not cheap, but it does offer an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranties and gives you assurance that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress that's not included.