How to Choose the best baby cots Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a essential item for any baby. We've created this guide to assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.

This top-quality option is perfect to be used in Scandi style nursery. It's a durable and sturdy option that will 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 also a range of options with various levels of longevity and even convert into toddler beds that can be used throughout the age of preschool and beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra cost can be well-repaid when you're looking for an item that lasts for many years, not just a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it a great option for those who want an upscale cot that can last for a lifetime. This model's minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look fantastic in an Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some cheaper cots which have an integrated drawer. It also has an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting caught. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately the bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to start it up.

A less expensive alternative that will still provide your baby a comfortable night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents loved the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not the best infant cribs choice for car camping however it's suitable for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot a lot.

The SnuzKot is another good affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It can grow with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact that it was able to transform into a minimalist toddler bed and gave an ambiance of cocoons by incorporating a fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides, and a solid base so that your child is unable to climb out. Some cots come with extra features like teething rails or under-bed storage drawers which can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.

Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its traditional design will suit most recommended cribs homes and it's made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There is also an extension kit that will take it up to a larger bed when your child's ready.

This elegant and simple cot is an excellent choice for those with a tight budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options which allows you to adjust the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.

This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a high-end cot. It offers four mattress positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to the next.

The cot is extremely lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It's also extremely durable, with an extremely sturdy frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little challenging to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were placed far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting stuck between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.

Design

It's easy to overlook the style when you are buying a cot bed. The cot you choose for your baby will be in use for a long time, so it's essential to find one that you love as well as is functional and practical.

The classic ickle bubba 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 usually feature. It also doesn't skimp on storage space, and comes with an extra drawer that slides under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be attached to the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.

The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with an elegant panel design that will fit in with 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 then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cot beds that we've tested with an apex drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.

The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with a panelled design. It is available in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were impressed with its features. It's also the easiest cot bed to assemble. The pieces are clearly labeled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with limited space as it can be folded down and flat-packed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth through toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used until 10 years of age.

Convertibility

If you're a newly-wed there are a lot of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child so that they have a safe place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice and will last from birth through childhood.

It's not cheap in comparison to other cot beds we test, but it comes with a premium look and feel that will be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could have been more clear, but our parent testers were awed by how easy it was for to construct and install. This is not a major issue however, since it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

Another unique aspect of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base that are an improvement on the three standard options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need a higher or lower base level depending on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip on the top to protect it from biting.

The grey finish was the favorite of our dad tester. It's not cheap baby cots for sale but it's an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through toddlerhood and beyond. Plus, it's covered by an one-year guarantee which gives you peace of mind that it will be sturdy and durable. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress, which isn't included.