How To Explain Best Cot Bed To Your Grandparents

How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your baby.

This high-end option works perfectly in Scandi style nursery. This sturdy and durable choice can grow with your baby, with three mattress positions, and the ability remove the sides to create a chic bench style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are also different choices that come with different durations some of which can be converted into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years or beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into a bed are generally more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it if you want a cot that lasts for years rather than just a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design. It's a great option for parents who want an extremely high-quality crib that can stand the test of time. Our parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina considered to be a better choice than some cheaper cots and tots with an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key for setting up.

A more budget-friendly option that will still give your baby a comfy night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our testers with parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's as big as a camp chair's carry case. It's lighter than the average cot, meaning it may not be ideal for camping in the car, but it should be fine for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot around too much.

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 child until they're around four years old, and our dad testers loved the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed, and also created 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 solid and secure. Find a sturdy design that includes safety bars or sides, as well as an erect base that your child can't easily climb 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 life while your baby is growing.

Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and still looks amazing." Its traditional style will suit most homes and is made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about the purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you security) and has an option of an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This simple, stylish cot is a great choice if you're on a budget. It's simple to put together and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most standard cot bed sales mattresses and is a great purchase for the money.

If you're looking for a top cot, this is a great option. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It can last until your child reach the age of three. It also can be folded flat and has locks on the wheels, making it extremely portable if you need to move it from room to room.

This cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is among the smallest cots that we tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely robust and has strong frame that can stand up to the demands of boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it a bit tricky to put together, however the instructions were well-written and clear. They were impressed by the fact that the slats are sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught in between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots we reviewed however, it's worth the investment for its longevity and practicality.

Design

It's easy to overlook the design when you are buying a cot bed. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long period of time, therefore it's crucial to choose one that you love and also is functional and practical.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary version of the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these beds often feature. It's got plenty of storage space-saving features and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. Our mom tester found it sturdy and robust and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.

If you prefer, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a stylish panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It's made to last until they are six years older. It transforms into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the only cot beds we've tested with draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great choice for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.

Another option with a sleek panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several colour options to coordinate with the decor of your nursery. Our mom testers loved its nifty features including the storage drawer particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It is also an excellent choice for those who have little space since it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.

Convertibility

If you're a newly-wed there are a lot of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that lasts for as long as it can and will grow with your child, giving them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

Although most cots can be converted into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go a step further than this. Our top pick 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 is the longest-lasting option on our list, because it should see your child through the years from birth until childhood.

It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds we test, but it comes with a premium appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed with how easy it was to set up and build, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This is not a major issue, however, as it was still very simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

The cot comes with four different base heights for the mattress. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows, because they might require a lower or higher base level, based on their age and level. It includes teething rails that are useful and a plastic strip at the top to stop it from becoming a bit.

This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not inexpensive but it's great value for money as it will last your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy an additional mattress, that's not included.