Don't Stop! 15 Things About Best Cot Bed We're Overheard
How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a essential item for any baby. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect choice for your baby.
A top-quality option that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are also different options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years or beyond. Naturally, those which convert into beds do tend to be more expensive, but the investment could be worth it when you're looking for a cot that lasts for years rather than just the duration of a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for those who want an extremely high-quality cot that will stand the years. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look great in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with an integrated drawer, as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. The cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
The Elementary cot is a cheaper option that will provide your baby a good night's rest. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. Our testers with parents loved the simple design and easy assembly. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored as it fits into bags that are similar to that used for the camping chair. It's light, meaning it may not be suitable for camping in the car, but it should be fine to live in apartments or for those who don't plan to move their cot around too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact that it was able to transform into a minimal-looking toddler bed and created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but it must also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides and a solid base so that your baby is not able to get out. Some cot beds come with extra features, such as teething rails and under-bed drawers, which can help you organize your home while your baby is growing.

Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its classic design is suitable for all homes and is made of 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 open for security. There is also an extension kit available which can convert it to a full-sized bed once your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice for those with a tight budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height as your baby grows.
cribs beds fits most standard cot mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It can keep your baby safe until they reach the age of three. It also folds flat and has locking wheels, making it very portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot comes with handy travel bag, and is one of the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It is also very robust and has strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. They were impressed by the fact that the slats were spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the quality and durability make it worth the investment.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but don't forget the design. It's crucial to select a cot that is both practical and attractive.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the best cot bed for design lovers 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 usually come with. It also doesn't skimp on space-saving storage and has an extra drawer that slides under the cot, and teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.
If you prefer, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a smart panelled look that will look great in any nursery. It's designed to be used until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we tested to have an opening as well as a hanging rail and teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it a good option for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with a panelled design. It comes in a range of colors to match the decor of your nursery. Our mom testers loved its clever features, with the storage drawer being especially useful to store bedding and clothes. It is also one of 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 choice for those who have limited space because it can be flat-packed and collapsed. It takes a standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child is 10 years old. older.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as a new parent. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
While the majority of cots can be made into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go further than this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last from birth to childhood.
It's a bit more expensive than the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could have been more clear, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was for them to build and install. This is a minor fault however, since it was incredibly simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique aspect of this cot is that it has four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child gets older, because they might require an upper or lower base level depending on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to shield it from being bitten.
The cot is available in several different Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It is not cheap however it is a an excellent value, because it will last until they reach toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you will need to purchase separately is the mattress.