9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Best Cot Bed
How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for every baby. We've created this guide to assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
A high-quality bed that fits beautifully in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. This sturdy and durable option can expand with your baby, with three mattress positions and the ability to remove the sides to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There are a variety of options with different lifespans some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the preschool years or even beyond. Naturally, those which convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off if you want a cot that lasts for years rather than just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for those who want an extremely high-quality cot that will stand up to the test of time. Our testers for parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look beautiful in a contemporary nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina considered to be more suitable than cheaper cots which have a drawer built-in. It also has an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. But at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this bed isn't cheap, and it does require an Allen key to make it functional.
A more affordable option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be put away and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's a little on the lightweight side and therefore may not be ideal for camping in the car however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't want to move their cot around for too long.
The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest particularly if you decide to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach around four years old. Our dad tester loved that it could be converted into a minimalist toddler bed, and also create an atmosphere of cocoons by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby is not able to climb out. Some cots include extra features, such as teething rails and drawers under the bed that can help you organize your home while your little one is growing.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There is also an extension kit available which can convert it to a full-sized bed when your child's ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a great value buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this is a great choice. cots 4 tots can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It will last your baby until they are around three years old. It also can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it mobile if you have to move it from room to room.
This cot is light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that will stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a little difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting stuck between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the quality and durability are worth the cost.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when you are buying a cot bed. The crib of your baby will be used for a long time, therefore it's crucial to choose one that you love and is also practical and useful.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the perfect cot for those who love design. Its sleek, modern version of the traditional sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types of cots can provide. It also offers storage space and features an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, and teething rails that can be connected to the side of the. Our mom tester found it sturdy and robust with three positions of base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in an elegant panel design that will fit in with any nursery. It is designed to last until they are six years older. It can be converted into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested that has an opening, a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.
Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer is useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were awed by its features. It's also the easiest cot bed to put together. The components are clearly labelled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those who have a limited space, since it can be folded and flat-packed. It takes a standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit that permits it to be used until your child turns 10 years old. older.
Convertibility
There are a lot of baby essentials that you should consider as a new parent. One of the most important things 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 they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
Although most cots can be converted to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) and it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last from birth until the age of.
It's not cheap compared to some of the 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 precise, but our parent testers were impressed by the ease with which it was for to construct and set up. This is a minor fault however, as it was still very simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade over the three standard options. This allows you to adjust it as your child gets older, as they may need a lower or higher base level, based on their age and ability. It includes teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip at the top to stop it from being bit.
The cot is available in several different Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was especially impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap, however it is a great value as it will last into toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with an assurance of one year to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress which isn't included.