How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for every Baby Cot Online. We've created this guide to help you choose the right bed for your baby.

This premium option fits perfectly in Scandi style nursery. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to cots there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options that provide different levels of durability, with some converting into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years and beyond. The ones that can be transformed into a bed are more expensive, but they will last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its elegant design and simple design, making it an excellent choice for those who want a top quality crib that can stand the years. Our testers for parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed also has a drawer, which mom tester Katrina thought was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with an integrated drawer, as well as a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. This cot bed is not expensive, and requires an Allen key for setup.

A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a good night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were highly praised by our parent testers. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away easily, fitting into a carry bag that's the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not the best choice for Mini cot beds car camping but it's perfect for people living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot around too often.

The SnuzKot is a good budget-friendly cot we recommend particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It can grow with your child until around four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact it converted to an unassuming toddler bed and gave the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a 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. Look for a robust design that has sides or safety bars and a solid base, so your baby cots online can't easily get out. Some cot beds come with extra features such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib which can help organize your life as your baby is growing.

The Boori cot is made 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 open to give you 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 tight budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your cheap baby cots grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a great buy for the price.

This is a fantastic option if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It has an impressive four mattress base positions when in cot mode, and will last until your baby is about three years old. It also folds flat and has locks on the wheels, making it very mobile if you have to move it from room to room.

This cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is among the lightest cots we tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy, with a strong frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. Our testers found it a bit tricky to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were placed far enough apart to avoid fingers getting stuck between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots that we looked at, but it is worth the cost for its durability and functionality.

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 is essential to choose a cot that is both functional and beautiful.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek contemporary version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds can often come with. It also has plenty of storage space, and comes with a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be attached to the side of the. Our mom tester found it sturdy and robust, with a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.

The Modena small cot beds-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with an elegant panel design that will suit any nursery. It's made to last until your child reaches six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cot beds that we tested with a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.

The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has panels. It comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. Our mom testers loved its nifty features and the drawer for storage being particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It is also one of the easiest cot bed to put together. The components are clearly labeled and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space because it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It fits the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child is 10 years of age.

Convertability

If you're a newly-wed there are a lot of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last as long as you can and grow with your child, so that they have a safe place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, as it will last your child through the years from birth until childhood.

It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot beds we tested however its superior appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. The instructions could be more simple, but our parents testers were awed by how easy it was for them to build and set up. This is not a major issue however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

Another great feature of this cot is that it comes with four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child grows. They may need a lower or higher base level based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip on the top to guard it from being bitten.

This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors, and our dad tester was especially impressed by the grey finish. It is not cheap baby cots but it offers great value as it will last your child until they reach the age of toddler and beyond. Additionally, it comes with one-year warranties which gives you assurance that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is a mattress which is not included.