How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.

Check it has gaps-free mattresses as gaps can pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also look for a cot that converts to a toddler bed.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg, and costs almost one quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much simpler to set-up - the two main poles snap together, like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to hold them in place. Then, they 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's difficult to take apart and you'll need to be extremely strong to pull out 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 tried.

If you're looking for something stronger and long-lasting, take an examination of the various models of cot beds that are available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth until around 2 years, so you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.

Some children will stay in the cot for longer, however, the majority of children will want to go to their first single mattress as a reward for being a big brother or sister!

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

Double Cot

A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It comes with the same security features as a single cot. It has side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to fit your child's growing needs. It comes with multiple support areas so you can personalize it to meet your child's requirements. Moreover, this is the only cot we test that can accommodate multiple infants at once and can accommodate two babies as big as 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who require space with more than one baby.

One of the things that parents adore about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed and then into the junior bed, which gives it an extended lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy a new bed. This is great for those 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 best safety for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used up until your child reaches 2 years. After that, it will need to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler bed.

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

The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold it and can be a bit finicky when you try to put the legs into place. It's also the largest cot in our list, and can be heavy to carry around if you have to move it from its storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, look no further than this luxurious wooden cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and can blend well with a range of different styles of bedrooms for kids once your baby outgrows it.

Triple Cot

cots 4 tots are designed specifically for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet the developmental stage of your baby. They are typically lower than beds. Some cots come with a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby and makes it easier for night time feedings. Some cots allow the option of removing a side completely and allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.

Some cots have additional features that simplify the lives of parents. There is an under-bed drawer that is perfect for storage, rails to protect babies with teeth, and a riser leg which can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. One of our top ranked cribs cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also extremely practical, with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.

It is essential that your child gets a good night's sleep. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the right cot or cradle for your child. If you're struggling to determine what kind 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 trained group leader and other parents who are new?

When you are buying a cot, there are a variety of factors to take into account. These include the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth, its storage capacity, whether the cot comes with a hood that can be removed, and if the cot includes bedding. It is also worth checking dimensions to ensure the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of room for movement and not too close to heating sources or windows.

Quadruple Cot

You'll need a four-in-1 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets to make it easier to get your kids ready for bed. Many also feature a side rail that can be removed, so you can place your child near you while they rest. If you have children You may prefer a model with a bunk bed that can be turned into an individual bed.

Many affordable cots feature an adjustable mattress which can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your baby could slip during the night, and also useful for when your child starts to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However there are models made from polyurethane.

It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars too, as these should not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your child from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards as they can trap clothing or legs.

The ease of cleaning the cot should also be considered. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your bedding for a cot will work or if you'll have to purchase special travel cot sheets.

Babies require lots of paraphernalia such as nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.