How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their bed until they reach around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.

Make sure the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. 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 on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up. The two main poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles complete with shock cords to keep them in order, then they slide easily into sleeves that fit on their legs. All you have to do is to put your feet on them to create the sleeping area.

It's not easy to take apart. You must be strong enough to remove the legs and then it's an effort to take apart the frame. It's not a major issue and I believe it's the most lightweight cot that I've ever tested.

If you're looking for something more sturdy and long-lasting, take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. If you decide to go with this option, you will need to buy a new bed for your child once they reach several years.

Some children are happy to stay in a cot sets for longer than this, however most want to transition to their first single bed - that can be presented as a "prize for being a big brother or sister!

The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small children, offering a wonderful night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together, has no small parts to get lost, and is sturdy enough to hold children without worry about wobbly parts.

Double Cot

A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that require sleeping together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and an slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It comes with numerous support areas so that you can personalize it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at once and can hold up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families that require space with more than one baby.

One feature that many parents love about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed and then onto the junior bed, which gives it a longer life span and meaning that you won't have to buy another bed. This is a great option for parents who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.

Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option for a lot of health experts as they offer the highest level of security for your baby. The cot bed is intended to be used until your child is two years old. After that, it needs to be changed to a junior bed or toddler bed.

This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies from birth, and the highest for when your Baby Cot is able to roll. This is an important aspect, as babies can choke if their heads become trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.

The only issue with this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold and can be quite finicky when trying to position the legs in a proper position. It's also the biggest cot in our list, and can be heavy to carry if you have to transport it from the storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, take a look at this luxurious wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates design, comfort and utility in your living space. It is also stunning in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom after your child has outgrown it.

Triple Cot

Cots provide the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your newborn and ensure that they get the rest they need. The base can be raised to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are generally lower than beds. Some cots come with an opening that allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots allow the option of removing one side completely and allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.

Certain cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents. They include a drawer under the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to protect teething babies, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable for reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also very practical with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.

It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's rest. So, it is worth your time to find the right cot or cradle for them. If you're struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is the best option for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a trained group leader and other parents who are new?

There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing the cot you want, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby cots online to ensure that it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough space to move around and that it's not too close to windows or heat sources.

Quadruple Cot

If you are expecting triplets or twins you'll require a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets that make it easier to get your kids up and ready for bed. A lot of them come with a removable side rail to keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may prefer one with a bunk that can be transformed into an individual bed.

A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet the size of your baby. This is a great idea for parents who are concerned that your child could fall down at night. It's also a great option when your child is beginning to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed from natural materials like cotton or wool, however there are some made of polyurethane foam as well.

It is a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be more than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards since they can entrap clothing or limbs.

The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be taken into consideration. Make sure it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. You'll also have to consider whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.

Babies require lots of accessories such as nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage. It can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.