How to Choose the best cot newborn Cot Bed

With so many baby must-haves to consider, a top cot bed is one of the most important purchases. So we've put together this guide to help you find the perfect choice for your little one.

This premium option fits perfectly to be used in Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable choice will grow with your child with three mattress positions, tots and cots the ability to take the sides off 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 a variety of options that have different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used in the age of preschool or beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed are generally more expensive, but the investment can really pay off in the event that you need a cot that will last for a long time instead of just a few months.

The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for an excellent cot that will stand the test of time. Our parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery cots. This cot bed comes with an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some cheaper cots which have a drawer built in. It also has an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot bed is not inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setting up.

A less expensive 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 easy assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be put away away easily too, fitting into a bag that's the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not ideal for camping in the car but it's perfect for apartment life or those who won't be moving their cot too much.

The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked that it could be converted into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created 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 will 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 move out. Some cots include extra features, such as teething rails and under-bed drawers that can help you organize your home while your baby is growing.

Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still beautiful." Its classic design will suit most homes and is made of sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for safety. There is an extension kit available that can transform it to a larger bed when your child is ready.

This simple but stylish cot is a great option for those on a tight budget. It's easy to put together with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most standard crib mattresses and is a great value buy for the price.

This is an excellent choice If you're looking for an extremely high-end cot. It has an impressive four mattress base positions in cot mode, and will last until your child is three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to another.

The cot comes with a handy travel bag and is among the smallest cots that we test at 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. They also noted that the slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught in between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots we looked at, but it is worth the investment for its durability and functionality.

Design

When you are 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 the cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.

The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds often feature. It's got plenty of space-saving storage such as 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 expand with your baby.

Alternatively you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has an elegant panel design that would suit any nursery. It's designed to last until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the only cot beds we tested to have draw, a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a great option for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.

Another option that has a stylish panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several colour options to coordinate with your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothes. Our mum testers were awed by the features. It's also among the easiest cot beds for parents to put together, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great choice for those with limited space as it can be collapsed and flat-packed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used until 10 years old.

Convertibility

If you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and grow with your child so they can have a safe place to sleep.

Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, as it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.

It's a bit more expensive than the other cot-beds we tested however its superior look and feel will fit in any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent testers were impressed by how easy it was for to construct and set up. This isn't a major issue, though, considering it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.

The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need a higher or lower base level based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip along the top to shield it from being bitten.

The grey finish was the favorite of our dad tester. It's not inexpensive however it offers great value for money as it will see your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is a mattress, which is not included.