How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed - learn the facts here now, is a must-have for every baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you find the perfect choice for your little one.

A premium option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nursery rooms. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, offering 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 a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are also different options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used in the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be converted into beds are more expensive, however they'll last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those looking for a high-quality cheap cot beds that will last for a long time. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed also comes with a handy drawer that mum tester Katrina found to be an improvement over less expensive cots with an integrated drawer, as well as a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. This cot bed is not inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setup.

The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that will give your baby a comfortable night's sleep. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our testers with parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and simple assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored easily, fitting into a bag that's as big as the carry case of a camping chair. It's on the lightweight side which means it might not be suitable for camping in the car but it's a good choice for living in an apartment or for those who don't intend to move their cot around all the time.

The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot we recommend, especially if you choose to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our dad tester loved the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed, and created an atmosphere of cocoons by putting up a fabric canopy.

Safety

A good cot will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design that includes safety bars or sides and an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to easily get out. Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails, or under-bed storage drawers that will aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.

The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up for peace of mind) and also has the option for an extension kit that can 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 components and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a great purchase for the money.

This is a great choice when you're in search of an expensive cot. It comes with four mattress positions in cot mode, and will last until your child is about three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to another.

The cot is extremely light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag for travel. It is also very durable, with an extremely sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to avoid fingers getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots to tots we have reviewed but the durability and functionality make it worth the investment.

Design

When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but don't overlook the design. It's crucial to select the cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.

The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the ideal cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the traditional sleigh style isn't as bulky that these cots are known for. It's got plenty of storage space, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot, as well as teething rails on the sides. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.

The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with an elegant panel design that will suit any nursery. It's made to be used until your child is 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 cot beds that we tested with the option of a 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 comes in a variety of colours to complement your nursery's decor. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were impressed with its features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds for parents to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It is also an excellent 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 children from birth to toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used up to 10 years old.

Convertibility

There are many baby essentials that you must consider when you become a new parent. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you need something that will last for as long as it can and grow with your child, giving them a safe and secure place to sleep.

While most online cots can be made to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit, some cot beds are designed to go beyond this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which can be converted into an infant cot bed bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, because it should see your child through from birth to childhood.

It's a bit more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried however, its high-end design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was for them to build and set up. This is a minor flaw however, as it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

Another great feature of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child develops. They may need an upper or lower base level, based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip on the top to guard it from being bitten.

The cot is available in several different Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was keen on the grey finish. It's not inexpensive, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will see your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress, which isn't included.