How to Choose the best infant cribs Cot Bed

The best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you find the perfect bed for your baby.

This top-quality option is perfect in Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable choice will grow with your child with three mattress positions and the ability to remove the sides to create a stylish 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 options that have different lifespans some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used throughout the preschool years or beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive, but the investment could be worth it when you're looking for an item that lasts for a long time instead of just the duration of a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous design and easy to assemble make it a great option for those looking for an excellent cot that will last for a long time. The minimalist design and warm color is perfect for an Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some cheaper cots with 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 caught. The cot bed isn't expensive, and requires an Allen key for setup.

A more budget-friendly option that will still give your baby a comfy night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our testers with parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot can be folded down and stored easily as it fits into bags that are similar to the one used for the camping chair. It's lighter than the average cot, meaning it may not be ideal for camping in the car however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't plan to move their cot around all the time.

We recommend the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and also create an atmosphere of cocoons by putting up a fabric canopy.

Safety

A good cot will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Find a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, as well as an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to be able to climb out. Some cot beds will also have additional features such as teething rails and under-bed drawers, which can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.

Parent test subject Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still stunning." Its traditional style will suit most homes tots and cots it's made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide peace of mind) and comes with an option for an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This stylish but simple cot is a great choice for those on a limited budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components 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 mattress and is a great purchase for the price.

This is a fantastic option if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It comes with four mattress base positions in the cot position and will last until your child is around three years old. It also folds flat and has locks on the wheels, making it very mobile if you have to move it from room to room.

The cot is extremely lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a great bag for travel. It's also extremely robust and has a sturdy frame that will be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were set apart to prevent fingers from getting trapped between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the quality and durability are worth the cost.

Design

When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't neglect the style. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the perfect cot bed for design lovers, with its sleek modern design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these beds can often have. It's got plenty of space-saving storage and storage options, including the drawer that is built into the cot as well as rails for teething on the side. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.

If you prefer alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that will look great in any nursery. It's made to last until they are six years older. It can be converted into a junior mattress and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the only a few cot beds that we have tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.

Another option with a smart panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were impressed with its features. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to assemble. All the pieces are clearly labeled and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with a small space, since it can be folded down and flat-packed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used up to 10 years old.

Convertibility

There are many baby essentials you need to think about as the new parent. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a safe bed to sleep in.

While most cots can be made to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go a step further than this. The Boori Eton Mini Cot Bed Bed is our top pick. It can be converted to a toddler (L207cm, W147cm H90cm), a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, because it should see your child through from birth to childhood.

It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cot beds we tested however, its high-end design and feel will look great in any nursery. The instructions could have been more simple, but our parents testers were awed by the ease with which it was for them to build and put up. This isn't a big issue, though, considering it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

This cot comes with four base heights for mattresses. This is an improvement over the three standard options. This allows you to adjust it as your child grows, because they might require a higher or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It includes teething rails that are useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from getting bitten.

This cot comes in several different Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was especially attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not cheap however it is a the best value for money since it will last your child into toddlerhood and beyond. Additionally, it comes with one-year warranties and gives you confidence that it will be sturdy and durable. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.