Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer review

The Hartley Cot measures L144cm x W74.5cm x H82cm, and the mattress can be set at three different heights, lowered as your baby grows. Its generous size (it has the same dimensions as a standard cot bed) makes it suitable from birth until 3 years old, unlike other cots, which may only last until about 18 months to 2 years old.

How easy is the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer to build?

It took about 15 minutes to build the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot. The under drawer has more parts so that took slightly longer, about 20 minutes.

The instructions were clear and easy to follow. There were no written instructions, just diagrams, much like IKEA instructions.

How sturdy and stylish does the cot feel once built?

I immediately liked the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot’s minimalist look, and it definitely feels sturdy. However, the under drawer is not as robust. Unfortunately, one of the corners of the base of the drawer was slightly damaged when we unpacked it.

How firm and comfortable is the mattress that comes with the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot?

You can pick from a choice of three mattresses:

• Fibre mattress
• Premium sprung mattress
• All seasons premium pocket sprung mattress

We tested the premium sprung mattress, which is a step up from the basic fibre mattress, and is made of 80 high tensile springs, foam and breathable fibre inner walls.

The mattress performed well when I checked its firmness, springing back into shape after I pushed my hand down on it in the centre and sides. My baby was immediately comfortable on the mattress and slept soundly the first time she used it, and pretty much throughout our test (except for some fussy periods when she just wanted to be cuddled instead of put down in her cot).

Does the mattress come with a cover?

Yes. I liked the fact that the mattress comes with a soft, quilted, removable cover, which can be machine washed, as this adds another layer of comfort. However, from a practical point of view, the fibre mattress is better as it comes with a water-resistant cover, which can be machine washed.

All three mattresses come with a waterproof PVC sleeve, but I found it difficult to put it on under the quilted cover. It’s only 50cm x 50cm, so it doesn’t offer much protection as it’s impossible to know whereabouts on the mattress a baby might have a wee accident. The best way to protect the premium sprung mattress is to buy a separate full waterproof mattress protector.

What do you think of the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot Under Drawer?

The drawer sits on the floor under the cot, rather than being built into the base, and pulls out using four wheels. The wheels rolled easily on our carpet, but as the drawer isn’t fixed, I found it didn’t always pull out and push in evenly, sometimes catching the legs of the cot. If I needed to use the drawer every day, I think I would find that frustrating.

On the plus side, the drawer is the full length of the cot and almost as wide with one central divider, so it holds plenty of items. I used it to store blankets, bedding, baby sleeping bags, towels and muslin cloths.

Does the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot grow with your child?

Like many cots, the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot has three mattress height positions to suit your growing baby. I first started testing it when my baby was 7 months old and beginning to sit up independently, so I opted for the lowest position, but it could be easily adjusted to the other two heights.

If you’re using it with a newborn baby, there is also the option to buy a cot top changer, £49.

As the cot is the same size as a standard cot bed, it feels like it will last my baby a long time (potentially up to 3 years old). However, we converted our eldest daughter’s cot bed into a toddler bed when she was 2 and a half, so we’ll have to wait and see if our youngest is happy to remain in a cot that long.

How practical is the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer day-to-day?

What I like the most about the cot is that I can see my baby from all directions due to the open slated design.

Although the side of the cot can’t be lowered, I have not had any trouble putting her down in the cot or picking her up, even with the mattress on the lowest setting, and I am only 5ft 2 tall.

The cot isn’t very portable as it’s the same size as a standard cot bed, so it’s not easy to move between rooms, although this is to be expected from most standalone cots.

How easy is it to clean and maintain the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer?

Dust naturally collects between the slats, but this is easy to clean with a microfibre cloth. Otherwise, the cot and under drawer can be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water. As mentioned above, the mattress comes with a removable and washable cover.

The Hartley Classic Cot does not come with plastic teething rails, although other Ickle Bubba products, such as the Coleby Classic Cot, have them included. Something to keep in mind if your baby is a cot nibbler!

What’s in the box?

Split into three packages:

• 2x cot side panels
• 2x cot end panels
• Cot base
• Screws, barrel nuts and Allen key
• 7x pieces of wood for the drawer
• Fixings and wheels for the drawer
• Mattress and mattress cover
• Adjustable waterproof nursery-grade PVC sleeve

What are the sustainability features of the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer?

Some of the packaging was recyclable, but the mattress was in a black polythene cover. However, Ickle Bubba says it is reviewing its processes to minimise waste, teaming up with Ecologi to offset its emissions and support global carbon reduction projects. It also has a partnership with the Baby Bank Alliance, which enables Ickle Bubba products donated by the public to be passed on safely.

Is the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer worth the money?

At £209 for the cot and drawer (without the mattress), I think it's definitely a good-value bundle, especially given that the cot is larger than most cots and offers some serious longevity. The fact that the under drawer isn't attached to the cot means it can be used when you transition your child to a cot bed – extra storage is always going to be useful, so as a family, you'll never 'grow out' of this. I also think the choice of mattresses, suiting all kinds of budgets, is an affordable addition, too.

Where can I buy the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer?

It is available from Ickle Bubba, Pramworld, Kiddies Kingdom and Amazon.

MadeForMums verdict:

If you have room for a large cot and you love minimalist design, then the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer might be the one for you. With three mattress heights, easy access storage, classic Scandi-inspired style and offering roomy sleeping space for a growing baby, it packs a lot into its competitive price tag. If you're happy to stick with a cot as opposed to a cot bed for the foreseeable future, it's a great investment.