The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. We've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect choice for your baby.
This premium option fits perfectly to be used in Scandi style nursery. It's a sturdy and durable choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a variety of choices that come with different durations, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years or even beyond. Of course, the ones which convert into beds do tend to be more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it if you want an item that lasts for a long time instead of just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it an ideal choice for parents looking for a high-quality cot that will last for a lifetime. The sleek design and warm color is perfect for an Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a handy drawer, which mom tester Katrina found to be superior to less expensive cots with an integrated drawer, as well as a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. The cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
A more affordable alternative that will still provide your baby a good night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were well-loved by our parents who tested it. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored as it fits into bags similar to that used for a camping chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot too much.
The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest 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 father tester liked that it could be converted into a minimalist toddler bed, and also create an atmosphere of cocoons by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides and an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to easily get out. Some cots include extra features such as teething rails, or under-bed storage drawers that can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby grows.
Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its traditional design will fit in with any home and is made of sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about the purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide peace of mind) and has an option to add an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice for those on a limited budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit most standard cot mattresses and is a great value purchase for the money.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for an expensive cot. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It can keep your baby safe until they are about three years old. It folds flat and comes with locking wheels, making it extremely mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
The cot is extremely light at just 6kg, and comes with a great bag to carry it around in. It's also very sturdy and has a strong frame that can handle 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 prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than the other cots that we looked at, but it is worth the cost for its durability and functionality.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't overlook the design. The crib of your baby will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that you love and is also practical and useful.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the ideal cot bed for design lovers with its sleek, modern version of the traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds usually feature. It also doesn't skimp on storage space and features an extra drawer that slides under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be affixed to the side of the. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that will be suitable for any nursery. It's made to last until your child reaches six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and later to a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cots that we tested with an apex drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. Our mom testers loved its nifty features and the storage drawer particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It's also the easiest cot bed to assemble. The components are clearly labelled, and the instructions are simple to follow. It is also an excellent alternative for those with limited space because it can be flat-packed and rolled down. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that allows it to be used up until your child is 10 years older.
Convertibility
If you're a newly-wed, there are plenty of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as you can and grow with your child so they can have a safe place to sleep.
Although most cots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit some cots are made to go a step further than this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and cots4Tots 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 pricey when compared to other cot beds we've test, but it comes with an elegant appearance and feel that would be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could have been more simple, but our parents testers were impressed by how easy it was to construct and set up. This is not a major issue however, as it was still very simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique aspect of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child gets older, because they might require a higher or lower base level depending on their age and level. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to guard it from biting.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad tester. It is not cheap however it is a the best value for money as it will last through toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.
