How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. We've created this guide to help find the best choice for your baby.

A high-quality bed that fits beautifully in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as the option of removing the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to cots there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options that offer different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years and beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into a bed do tend to be more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid in the event that you need a cot that will last for a long time instead of just the duration of a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its stunning design and easy to assemble make it a great option for those who want an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery cots. This cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina found to be an improvement over cheaper cots that come with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately the crib isn't cheap cot bed. It requires an Allen key to start it up.

A less expensive option that will still give your baby a comfortable night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were praised by our testers' parents. The cot can be folded up and stored easily, as it fits into bags similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's a little light, meaning it may not be ideal for camping in the car, however it's suitable for living in an apartment or for those who don't want to move their cot around all the time.

The SnuzKot is an additional budget-friendly cot that we recommend particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our dad tester loved that it could be converted into a minimalist-looking toddler bed and create an atmosphere of cocoons with its canopy made of fabric.

Safety

A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation, so that your child is unable to get out. Some cots have additional features such as teething rails and under-bed drawers which can help organize your home as your baby is growing.

Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still beautiful." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and is made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good cribs about your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up for reassurance) and also has the option of an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This stylish but simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It can be used with standard mattress cots and is a great value purchase for the price.

If you're looking for a top cot, this is a great choice. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It will last your baby until they reach the age of three. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from room to.

This cot is light at only 6kg and comes with a great bag for traveling. It's also very sturdy and has a strong frame that'll stand up to noisy toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. The slats were set apart to avoid fingers getting caught between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots we reviewed, but it is worth the price for its durability and utility.

Design

When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't forget the design. It's crucial to select a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.

The icklebubba Snowdon Classic bed is the ideal cot for those who love design. Its sleek, modern version of the traditional sleigh style does not have the bulky feel that these types can have. It's got plenty of storage space-saving features and storage options, including a drawer that fits underneath the cot and teething rails on the side. 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 and comes with a panelled design that can be suitable for any nursery. It is made to last until they reach the age of six old. It can be converted into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only a handful of cot beds that we have tested with the option of a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.

Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to build, with all pieces being clearly labelled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with a small space as it can be folded and flat-packed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.

Convertibility

If you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child so that they have a secure place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for toddlers. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted to an infant (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) and a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice, as it will last from birth to childhood.

It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds that we test, but it comes with a premium design and feel that will fit in with any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent test subjects were impressed with the ease with which it was for them to build and put up. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still very simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

This cot has four different base heights for mattresses. This is an upgrade over 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 based on their age and level. It comes with teething rails that are useful tots and cots a plastic strip on the top to stop it from getting bitten.

This cot comes in several different Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by a 1-year warranty so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.