How to Choose the Best Cot Bed<br /><br />With so many baby must-haves to think about, choosing the ideal cot bed is one of the most important purchases. We've created this guide to help find the best choice for your baby.<br /><br />A top-quality option that will look great in Scandi-style nursery rooms. This sturdy and durable option will grow with your child, with three mattress positions, and the ability remove the sides to create a chic bench style toddler bed.<br /><br />Budget<br /><br />There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are also a range of options that provide different amounts of longevity, with some converting into toddler beds that can be used through the preschool years and beyond. Obviously, the ones that 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 the duration of a few months.<br /><br />The Mamas &amp; Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those looking for a high-quality cot that will last a lifetime. Our testers for parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was more suitable than less expensive cots that have a drawer built in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at over PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to make it functional.<br /><br />The cot for the Elementary is a cheaper option that will give your baby a good night's rest. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. Our testers with parents loved the simple design and simple assembly. The cot is foldable into a compact size and stored because it fits in a bag the size of that used for the camping chair. It's not ideal for car camping however it's suitable for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot too much.<br /><br />We suggest the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It can grow with your child until they're approximately four years old and our dad tester loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed and created a cocoon-like feeling with its fabric canopy.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />A cot that is well-designed will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but also feel solid and secure. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides, and a solid base so that your child is unable to get out. Some cot beds will also include extra features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you organize your home while your little one is growing.<br /><br />The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There is also an extension kit that can transform it to a larger bed when your child is ready.<br /><br />This simple but stylish cot is a great choice for those on a tight budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings which allows you to adjust the height as your child grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is a great buy for the price.<br /><br /><br /><br />This is a great 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 last your baby until they are around three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from one room to another.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/">cots and tots</a> is light at only 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for traveling. It's also extremely durable, with a strong frame that can handle the raging toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. They also noted that the slats are spaced enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the investment for its durability and functionality.<br /><br />Design<br /><br />When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't forget the style. The cot you choose for your baby will be in use for a long time so it's essential to find one that you enjoy and is also practical and functional.<br /><br />The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the best cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the classic sleigh design isn't as bulky that these types of cots can provide. It also has plenty of storage space, and comes with an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, and teething rails that can be attached to the side of the. Our mom tested it and found it solid and sturdy, with the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to expand with your child.<br /><br />If you prefer, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has an elegant panel design that would suit any nursery. It's made to last until your child reaches six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the only a handful of cots that we tested with the option of a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.<br /><br />Another option with a smart panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colour options to coordinate with your nursery decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were awed by its features. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to put together. The pieces are clearly labeled and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those with a small space, since it can be folded down and then flat-packed. It takes a standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child is 10 years old.<br /><br />Convertability<br /><br />When you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby must-haves 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 bed to sleep in.<br /><br />Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It converts into a toddler (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) and a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice, as it will last your child from birth to childhood.<br /><br />It's expensive compared to some of the other cot beds we evaluated, but it offers a premium design and feel that will be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent test subjects were impressed with how easy it was for to construct and put up. This is not a major issue however, as it was still a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.<br /><br />This cot comes with four base heights for mattresses. This is an improvement over the three most popular options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child develops. They may need an upper or lower base level, based on their age and abilities. It also comes with teething rails as well as a plastic strip that runs along the top to protect it from biting.<br /><br />The grey finish was the preferred of our dad test-driver. It's not inexpensive however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty and gives you peace of mind that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to buy an additional mattress, which is not included.<br /><br />