How To Explain Best Cot Bed To Your Grandparents

How to Choose the Best Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. We've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect bed for your baby.

This premium option fits perfectly to be used in Scandi style nursery. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions and the option of removing the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to online cots there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also a range of options that offer different amounts of longevity and even convert into toddler beds that can be used through the preschool years and beyond. Naturally, those that convert into beds are generally more expensive, but the investment could be worth it 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 was our overall winner thanks to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a top quality cot sale that will stand up to the years. The minimalist design and warm-toned finish is perfect for the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina believed was more suitable than cheaper cots with an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setup.

A less expensive alternative that will still provide your baby a good night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our testers with parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and easy assembly. The cot can be folded into a compact size and stored since it can fit into bags similar to the one used for the camping chair. It's not the best choice for car camping, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot too much.

The SnuzKot is an additional budget-friendly cot we recommend, especially if you choose to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until around four years old, and our dad testers loved the fact it converted to an unassuming toddler bed, and also created the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation, so that your child is unable to climb out. Some cot beds will also have additional features, such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you keep things organised as your baby is growing.

Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and still looks amazing." Its classic design is suitable for all homes and it's made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There is an extension kit available that can transform it to a larger bed when your child's ready.

This elegant and simple cot is a great choice for those with a tight budget. It's simple to put together, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings, so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is an excellent purchase for the price.

If you're looking for a top cot, this one is a great option. It comes with four mattress base positions in the cot position and will last until your Baby Crib is about three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to the next.

This cot is very lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a convenient bag for traveling. It's also extremely sturdy, with a strong frame that'll stand up to the raging toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the quality and durability are worth the cost.

Design

When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but don't forget the design. It's important that you choose a cot that is both functional and beautiful.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the best cot bed for design lovers, with its sleek modern design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these beds often have. It's got plenty of storage space such as a drawer that fits underneath the cot and teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.

The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that can suit any nursery. It's designed to last your child until they are six years older. It transforms into a junior mattress, and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested to have draw, a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a good option for parents who want their cot to last for a long time.

The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with an elegant panel design. It comes in a variety of colors to complement your nursery's decor. Our mum testers loved its nifty features including the storage drawer being especially useful for storing bedding and clothes. It's also among the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces clearly labeled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great alternative for those with little space since it can be folded flat and collapsed. It takes an ordinary cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child is 10 years old. old.

Convertibility

There are many baby essentials that you must consider when the new parent. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child so that they have a secure place to sleep.

Although most cots can be made to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go further than this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, as it will last your child through the years from birth until childhood.

It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds we've tested, but it has an elegant appearance and feel that would suit any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed with how easy it was to build and set up however they did mention that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue, however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.

Another unique characteristic of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows because they might require a lower or higher base level based on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to protect it from being bitten.

The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap cot bed, however it is a great value as it will last through the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by a one-year warranty and gives you confidence that it will be sturdy and durable. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress, which isn't included.