How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Cot Bed

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 you choose the right bed for your baby.

A top-quality option that will look great in Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that will grow with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.

Budget

When it comes to cots there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are also different options that have different lifespans and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years or beyond. The ones that can be transformed into beds are more expensive, but they will last longer.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous design and easy to assemble makes it a fantastic choice for parents looking for an excellent cot that will last a lifetime. Our testers for parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some cheaper cots which have an integrated drawer. It also has an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting caught. This cot bed is not expensive, and requires an Allen key for setup.

A more affordable option that still gives your baby a comfy night's sleep is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers liked the simple design and simple assembly. The cot is foldable up and stored easily, as it fits into bags that are similar to the one used for the camping chair. It's not the best baby cots choice for camping in the car however it's suitable for people living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot around too often.

We suggest the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It can grow with your child until approximately four years old and our dad tester loved the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed and gave a cocoon-like feeling by incorporating a fabric canopy.

Safety

A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy design with sides or safety bars and solid foundations that your child can't easily get out. Some cot beds will also have additional features like teething rails and drawers under the bed which can help organize your home while your baby is growing.

Parent test subject Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its traditional style is suitable for all homes and is made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide peace of mind) and comes with an option for an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.

This stylish and simple cot is a great choice when you're on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a great purchase for the price.

If you're looking for a premium cot, this one is a good choice. It offers four mattress base positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to another.

The cot is extremely light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag for travel. It is also very robust, with a sturdy frame that will be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little challenging. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, however the durability and function are worth the cost.

Design

When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the specs and safety features, but don't neglect the design. 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 functional and practical.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the perfect bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds usually have. It's got plenty of storage space-saving features, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the side. It was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your baby.

Alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a smart panelled look that would suit any nursery. It's made to last until your child is six years old, converting first into a junior bed and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested that has draw as well as a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it an excellent option for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.

The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has panels. It is available in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were awed by the features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to put together, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with limited space because it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used until 10 years old.

Convertibility

When you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as you can and evolve with your child, so they can have a safe place to sleep.

While the majority of cots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go beyond this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting choice on our list, as it is designed to last through childhood to.

It's not cheap when compared to other cot beds we've test, but it comes with a premium look and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents were amazed by how easy it was to set up and build, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. 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 mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may need a higher or lower base level depending on their age and ability. It comes with teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip on the top to stop it from getting bitten.

The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was particularly keen on the grey finish. It's not cheap cots 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 an assurance of one year so you can be sure it will last. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.