How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

A cot is the infant's first bed and will serve as their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.

Make sure that it has gaps-free mattresses, as gaps can pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Also consider an adjustable cot.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set up - the two primary poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles complete with shock cord to keep them arranged, 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.

The only drawback is that it can be difficult to take apart - you need to be able to remove the legs and it requires some effort to dismantle the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tested.

If you're looking for something that's stronger and permanent, then take an examination of the various models of cot beds that are available on the market. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years old, so you'll need to purchase one bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.

Some children are content to stay in a cot for more than this, however the majority of them are eager to move on to their first single bed - that can be presented as a 'prize for being a big brother or sister!

The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble, has no small parts to break, and is solid enough to support a child without worrying about wobbly parts.

Double Cot

A double cot is great for newborn twins or siblings who will need to share a bed. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It also comes with multiple support areas, so you can dial in the ideal size for your child's requirements. In addition, this is the only cot we've tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once as it can hold two babies as big as 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families that require space with more than one child.

One of the things that parents adore about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and later into an adult bed, giving it a longer lifespan and means that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is a great option for parents with limited funds and will save money as your child grows.

Cot beds are the preferred sleep option for the majority of health experts since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used until your child reaches 2 years. After that, it needs to be changed to a toddler or junior bed.

This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll over. This is an important feature, as children can choke if their heads get trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.

This cot's only downside is that it isn't easy to fold and can be a hassle to put the legs in the right position. It's also the biggest cot in our list, and can be heavy to carry when you have to transport it from the storage location.

This luxury wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that has all the features. This stunning piece of furniture will enhance design, comfort and function in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and blends well with different styles for your child's bedroom after your child has outgrown it.

Triple Cot

Cots provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your infant, ensuring that they get the rest they need. The base can be raised to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are usually lower than beds. A lot of online cots have a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your baby. This makes it easier to feed at the night. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely and allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.

Some cots come with additional features that can simplify life for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot which is ideal for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails on the top of the cot to protect teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also very practical with three different heights for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

It's important that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for your baby. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the various options available and discuss these with other parents as well as a qualified group leader.

When purchasing a cot, there are a variety of factors to consider. This includes the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth as well as its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth double checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cheap cot beds will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space for movement, and not too close to heat sources or windows.

Quadruple Cot

You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at a time, and they come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready to go to bed. Some have a removable side rail to keep your baby cot online close while they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may prefer models with a bunk bed that can be converted into an individual bed.

A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit the size of your baby. This can be a good option if you're worried that your newborn might slip down during the night, and is beneficial for when your child is beginning to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed of natural materials such as cotton or wool, however there are some that make use of polyurethane foam, too.

It's a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars too, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from escaping. You should also be wary of cots that have solid foot and head boards, as these can trap limbs or clothing.

The ease of cleaning the cot should be taken into consideration. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.

Nappy costs can quickly go up! bedding clothes and other toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to organize everything neatly and easily accessible.