How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you find the perfect choice for your little one.

This high-end option works perfectly in Scandi style nursery. It's a durable and sturdy option that grows with your child. It has three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

There's a cot to fit every nursery and budget. There are also a range of options that offer different amounts of longevity and even convert into toddler beds for use into the preschool years and beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that lasts for many years, not just the duration of a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious design and easy to assemble makes it a fantastic choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. Our parent testers loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks beautiful in a contemporary nursery. This cot bed also has a drawer that mum tester Katrina found to be superior to less expensive cots with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. This cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setting up.

A more affordable option that still gives your baby cots on sale a good night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our testers with parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored as it fits into bags similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's a bit lighter than the average cot which means it might not be suitable for car camping however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot around all the time.

We recommend the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist toddler bed, and created an atmosphere of cocoons by putting up a fabric canopy.

Safety

A good cot is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby cannot easily climb out. Some cot beds will also include extra features such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib which can help organize your life while your baby is growing.

Parent test subject Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and still looks amazing." Its classic design 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 the purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you reassurance) and has an option to add an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This simple, stylish cot is a good choice if you're on a budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options, so you can adjust the height of your baby as he grows. It will fit most standard cot mattresses and is a good buy for the price.

This is an excellent choice when you're in search of an extremely high-end cot. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It can keep your Baby Cot safe until they are about three years old. It also folds flat and has lockable wheels, making it very mobile if you have to move it from room to room.

The cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is among the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also very sturdy and has a sturdy frame that'll stand up to noisy toddlers. Our testers found it to be a bit tricky to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. They also noted that the slats were spaced enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots and tots we looked at however, it's worth the cost for its durability and utility.

Design

When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but don't neglect the style. Your baby's cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's important to find one you like and also is practical and useful.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek, modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these beds often have. It also has plenty of storage space and features a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.

The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that can suit any nursery. It's made to be used until your child is six years old, and then it transforms first into a junior bed, and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we've tested with a draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot to last for a long time.

Another option with a smart panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were awed by its features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have a limited space as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It can be used with a standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used up until your child is 10 years old. old.

Convertability

If you're a newly-wed, there are plenty of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a safe bed to sleep in.

While most cots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go beyond this. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, because it should see your child through childhood to.

It's expensive when compared to other cot beds we evaluated, but it offers an elegant appearance and feel that would fit in with any nursery. Our parents were impressed with how easy it was to put together and construct, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This is not a major issue however, since it was still very simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

Another unique feature of this cot is that it comes with four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require a lower or higher base level, based on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a plastic strip along the top to protect it from biting.

This cot comes in several different Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not cheap but it's excellent value for money since it will see your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by a 1-year warranty to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is a mattress that's not included.