How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cots for newborns cot bed is a must-have for any baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your little one.

This top-quality option is perfect it perfectly Scandi style nursery. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child. It has three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When you think of cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options that offer different levels of durability and even convert into toddler beds to be used into the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be converted into beds are more expensive, however they'll last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design, making it an excellent option for parents who want an extremely high-quality cot that will stand up to the test of time. The sleek design and warm-toned finish will look great in a Scandi nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some less expensive cots that have an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot beds for sale bed is not inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setting up.

A less expensive alternative that will still provide your baby a comfy night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers were impressed by the simplicity of the design and simple assembly. The cot can be folded down and stored easily because it fits in bags similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's a little light which means it might not be ideal for car camping but it's a good choice for living in an apartment or for those who don't plan to move their cot all the time.

The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they are around four years old. Our dad tester loved that it could be converted into a minimalist toddler bed, and Recommended cribs created a cocoon like feeling with its canopy made of fabric.

Safety

A cot that is of good quality should not only meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and feel secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby is not able to move out. Some cots have additional features like teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby grows.

Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its traditional style will suit most homes and it's 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 security. There's an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.

This simple, stylish cot is a good choice if you're on a budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit most standard cot mattresses and is a great purchase for the money.

If you're looking for a premium cot, this is a good choice. It offers four mattress positions in the cot position and will last until your child is three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to the next.

This cot is very lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable, with a strong frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. The slats were placed far enough apart to avoid fingers getting trapped between them. It's also a bit more expensive than the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the investment for its durability and functionality.

Design

When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but don't neglect the style. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the best crib bed for those who love design with its sleek, modern design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds can often come with. It also offers space-saving storage and has a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, plus teething rails that can be connected to the side of the. Our mom tested it and found it sturdy and robust 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. It also has a smart panelled look that will look great in any nursery. It's designed to last until your child is six years old, converting first into a junior bed and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of small cot beds beds that we've tested with an apex drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.

The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has a panelled design. It is available in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were impressed by its features. It's also the easiest cot bed to put together. All the pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It is also an excellent alternative for those with little space since it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It can be used with the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child is 10 years older.

Convertibility

There are a lot of baby essentials that you must consider when a new parent. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you want something that lasts for as long as you can and grow with your child to give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It converts into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm), 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 to childhood.

It's more expensive than the other cot beds we tested, but its premium design and feel will look great in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed by how simple it was to set up and build however they did mention that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue, though, considering it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

This cot comes with four mattress base heights. This is an upgrade over the three most popular options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows, because they might require an upper or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It also comes with teething rails and a strip along the top to protect it from biting.

The grey finish was the most popular of our dad tester. It's not cheap, however it is a great value as it will last into the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by an one-year guarantee and gives you confidence that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll have to buy an additional mattress, which isn't included.