How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

The cot will serve as the baby's bed until attains the age of four. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.

Check that the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also, look for a cot that can be converted to a toddler bed.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg, and costs almost a quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much simpler to set up. The two primary poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles with shock cords to help keep them in place and slide into sleeves attached to their legs. You just need to place your feet in them to make the sleeping surface.

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

If you're looking for something a little more robust and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds on the market. If you choose this option, you'll have to buy a separate bed for your child after a few years.

Some children are content to stay in a cot for more than this, though most are keen 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 option for infants and small kids, allowing a good night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to lose, and feels sturdy enough to hold a child without worrying about wobbly parts.

Double Cot

A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It has the same safety 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 has numerous support areas so that you can personalize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at a time because it can support up to 325 pounds. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one child.

One of the things that parents love about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed and later into a junior bed, giving it an extended lifespan and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is essential for parents who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the long run as your child grows into a young adult.

Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option of most health experts as they offer the best safety for your baby. The crib is designed to be used up until your child is 2 years. After this, it will have to be converted to a toddler or junior bed.

This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is a crucial aspect as babies can choke if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.

The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly portable, as it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold it and can be quite fussy when trying to position the legs in a proper position. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and can feel heavy to carry around if you have to move it far from its storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, you should look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates the look, comfort and function in your living space. It is also stunning in any nursery and can blend perfectly with different styles of bedrooms for kids when your child is old enough to outgrow it.

Triple Cot

affordable cots provide an ensconced and safe sleeping space for your baby, ensuring that they get the sleep they require. They are usually smaller than beds, with the base being capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn and makes it easier to take nighttime feedings. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely, allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a more secure option than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.

Some cots come with additional features that simplify life for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping the essentials to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three height settings for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

Sleeping well is essential for all babies therefore it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your newborn. If you're struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is the best cot newborn (Recommended Reading) option for your Baby beds, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a trained group instructor and other new parents?

There are many aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, especially if it has a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it comes with a removable hood and if it has bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that the crib or cot your Baby beds is using will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.

Quadruple Cot

You'll require a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or more. These cots are built to accommodate up to four babies at one time, and they come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready to go to bed. Many come with a removable side rail to keep your child close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model with bunk beds which can be made into a single.

A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet the size of your baby. This is a great option if you're worried that your baby may slip at night, and it's also useful for the time when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, but there are models that make use of polyurethane foam, too.

Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too as they should not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from climbing out. You should also avoid cots with solid foot and head boards, as these can hold limbs or clothing.

Another important consideration is how easy it is to clean. Find out if the fabric is able to be machine washed and the care instructions for removable parts. You should also determine whether your standard cot bedding fits or if you need to purchase a specific travel cot sheet.

Nappy costs can quickly add up! Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.