And yet, Babies R Us still remains a giant in the UK market, which it has been a part of since 1985. Having won the Tommy Parent Friendly Award nine times, the company clearly knows its stuff when it comes to products for kids and babies, I only had to look at the huge range of over 60 cots and cot beds within each Toys R Us store to see that.
For the first nine months of my baby’s life, he slept in a travel cot (long story about living abroad/moving home/saving money). So when the Babies R Us Sleigh Cot Bed arrived, I was thrilled that my son, Josh, would finally have a proper cot.
What’s in the box?
- Three-height base
- Two fixed ends
- Two side rails
- Teething rail
- Drawer unit with four castors
- Bolts
- Screws
- Barrel nuts
- Washers
- Instructions
Any additional extras?
- Cotbed Mattress - £139.99
- Cotbed bedding set - £79.99
What were your initial impressions of the bed?
I chose the white version of the cotbed and it looks gorgeous in Josh’s nursery. It’s well-designed and classy, and the curved design is very stylish. However, this might sound strange, but there was a strong ‘new-cot smell’ for a couple of weeks. I was initially worried that it might give Josh a headache so opened the window during the daytime to try to dissipate the pong. However, he didn’t seem at all bothered and now the smell has gone.
How was the Sleigh cotbed to assemble?
It was OK to assemble, but it did take a while. The cotbed came in two boxes, which contained all the necessary panels, bolts, screws, barrel nuts, washers and other bits ’n’ bobs to construct it. With the help of my dad (OK, he did it and I supervised), it took about an hour and a half to build, which included a ‘third-time lucky’ scenario with the direction of some pieces. Once built, the cot bed is very sturdy/heavy, so it’s difficult to move. You should build it where you want it or prepare to put your back out shifting it from one room to another. If you need to disassemble it – say if you’re moving house – this can be done relatively easily with just the amount of palaver you’d expect from taking apart and rebuilding a product of this size.
Was it easy to convert from a cot to a cotbed?
Yes, very easy. I pre-emptively tried to convert it from a cot to a cotbed to see how it would be and it was child's play – you simply remove both sides. If you want to convert it to a sofa/daybed, just remove one side.
How comfortable is the Sleight Cotbed?
Josh is very comfortable in the bed, since he started slumbering in it he has begun sleeping through the night (hurrah!). Of course, this may just be a coincidence. It’s recommended for children up to the age of four, so Josh (and his potential siblings) will get a lot of use out of it. The cot bed is very sturdy and seems like it’ll withstand the test of time.
What is the teething rail like?
It’s brilliant that there’s a teething rail on the cot, it means Josh’s inquisitive gnashers don’t damage the cot and don’t get damaged themselves. However, the rail is only on one side. To encourage Josh not to chew on the cot, we positioned the side without the rail next to a wall, and so far, so good. However, if you place the cot in the centre of the nursery, there’s nothing stopping little ones from chomping on the side with no teething rail.
Is the cotbed easy to keep clean?
Yes! Just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
What did you think of the under cot drawers?
The drawer is an added bonus and great for storage. It is roomy so I’m using it to store all the nappies and wipes that I bought in bulk. The drawer is on wheels, which threw me at first, but then I decided that this is a better design than if it was on runners as it’s easier to convert to a bed this way.
Is it value for money?
I think so. At £299.99, it’s not the cheapest cot bed around but it’s also not the most expensive. The way I see it; it’s four pieces of furniture in one; a cot, bed, sofa and drawers – which makes it good value for money. You could get a cheaper cot bed but it may not be as attractive or functional. However, you’ll need to buy a mattress and bedding separately, so if you’re on a tight budget, a more affordable cot may be the way to go.
Who Is The Babies R Us Sleigh Cot Bed Best For?
Parents who want to invest in a good-quality, attractive product that will last for years.
MadeForMums Verdict
A classic, sturdy cot bed that will grow with your baby – and look stylish in the process. Although not a bargain, this product is a good investment and the price tag reflects its quality.
