How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their sleep space until they reach around four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.

Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be an suffocation hazard for infants. Also consider an adjustable cot.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set-up - the two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to hold them in place. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet in them to make the sleep surface.

The only negative is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle and you'll need to be able to lift the legs and it can take some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the best Cot newborn lightweight frame I've tested.

If you're looking for something stronger and permanent, then take an examination of the various models of cot beds that are available on the market. They're usually suitable from birth to about 2 years, so you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.

Some children are happy to stay in a cot for more than this, though the majority of them are eager to transition to their first single bed which 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, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it's solid enough to be able to keep a toddler in place with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.

Double Cot

A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It has the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to fit your child's changing needs. It comes with multiple support areas, so you can tailor it to your child's specific needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once and can accommodate two infants up to 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one child.

This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and later to a junior bed. This gives it longevity and means that you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is a great option for parents with limited funds, and will save you money as your child grows.

The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds because they provide the most safety for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches 2 years old and will then need to be converted into the toddler bed or junior bed.

This is the only cot we have tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies that are in the sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.

The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be a challenge to get the legs in place. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed, and can be heavy to carry if you need to move it from the storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then you should look no further than this luxurious wooden cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds style, comfort and functionality in your living space. It is also stunning in any nursery and blends perfectly with different kid's bedroom styles when your child is old enough to outgrow it.

Triple Cot

Cots are specially designed for newborns and provide an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are usually lower than beds. Some cheap cots come with drop sides that allow you to safely co-sleep with your baby and makes it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots 4 tots offer the option of removing one side completely and allowing you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.

Some cots have additional features that simplify life for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect to store items or keep your essential items close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top ranked cribs of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also very practical with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

Sleeping well is essential for all babies therefore it's worth your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your newborn. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the options available and discuss the options with other parents and an experienced group leader.

When buying a cot there are many things to take into account. This includes the cot's depth and sides, its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood, and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib can fit in your bedroom or nursery with plenty of room for movement and not too close to heat sources or windows.

Quadruple Cot

You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or even more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once They also include bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready for bed. Many have a side rail to keep your child close while they sleep. If you have children, you may prefer models with a bunk that can be transformed into an individual bed.

Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried your baby could slip at night, and is useful for when your child is beginning to stand. A lot of cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as cotton or wool, but you can find models made of polyurethane foam as well.

It is a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They shouldn't be more than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. You should also avoid cots with feet and head boards that are solid as they could trap limbs or clothing.

Another important consideration is how easy it is to clean. Find out if the fabric is able to be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you should determine if your standard bedding for your cot fits, or if you need to purchase a special travel cot sheets.

Babies need a lot of paraphernalia including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.