How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

The cot is the baby's bed until she is four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.

Make sure that it has gaps-free mattresses, since gaps could pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also look for a cot that is able to convert to a toddler bed.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set up - the two main poles snap together, like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in place. They then slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet into them to set up the sleeping surface.

The only negative is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be extremely strong to remove the legs and then it requires some effort to take apart the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's the most lightweight cot I've tested.

Take a look at the cot bed options available on the market if seeking something more robust and long-lasting. If you decide to go with this option, you'll need to buy a new bed for your child in a few years.

Some children will remain in the cot longer, but the majority will want to move up to their first single mattress - as an incentive for being a big sister or brother!

The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, without tiny parts that could get lost, and it feels secure enough to be held by a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.

Double Cot

A double cot is perfect for newborn twins or siblings who need to sleep close together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, which means you can find the right fit to meet your child's specific needs. In addition, this is the only cot we've tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two babies up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one child.

A great crib feature that many parents adore about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed and then onto an adult bed, giving it a longer life span and ensuring that you don't have to buy a new bed. This is essential for parents on tight budgets and can save you money over the long term as your child grows into an adult.

Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option of most health experts as they offer the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately 2 years old. They will eventually need to be transformed into a toddler bed or junior bed.

This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in a sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby can roll over. This is an important feature, as children can choke if their heads get trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.

The only drawback to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs into place. It's also the biggest cot we've reviewed, and can be heavy to carry when you have to move it from the storage location.

This luxury wood cot is a great option if you're looking for a cot with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and blends well with different kid's bedroom styles when your child is old enough to outgrow it.

Triple Cot

Cots provide an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your newborn and ensure that they get the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds and the base is capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have drop sides that allow you to safely co-sleep with your baby and makes it easier to take nighttime feeds. Some cots also allow you to remove one of the sides completely. This could allow you to use it as a bassinet, and provide a safer option to sleeping in your bed.

Certain cots come with additional features that simplify the lives of parents. There is an under-bed drawer which is ideal to store things in, rails that protect babies with teeth, and a riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for reflux babies. One of our top cots offers is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also super practical with three height settings for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

It is essential that your child gets a good night's sleep. So, it is worth your time to find the best Cot newborn cradle or cot for your baby. If you're struggling to decide what type of cot or crib is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group leader and other new parents?

When you are buying a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. This includes the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth as well as its storage capacity, whether the cot comes with a hood that can be removed, and if it has bedding. It is also worth checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery/bedroom with enough space for movement, and not too close to sources of heat or windows.

Quadruple Cot

You'll need a four-in-1 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at a time, and they come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your baby ready for bed. A lot of them have a removable side rail to keep your child close while they sleep. If you have other children You may want to look for one with a bunk that can be turned into an individual bed.

A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great option if you are worried that your child could fall asleep at night. It's also a great option when your child starts to stand up. Many cot mattresses are made from natural materials like wool or cotton, but you can find models made of polyurethane foam as well.

Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. It is also recommended to avoid cots with feet and head boards that are solid because they can trap limbs or clothing.

Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean. Check if the fabric can be machine washed tots and cots the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your existing bedding for a Mini Cot Bed will work or if you'll need to purchase special travel cot sheets.

Babies need a lot of paraphernalia such as nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage. It can assist you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.