How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

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

Make sure that the mattress is free of any gaps, as they could pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also, look for a convertible cot.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set up - the two main poles snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cord to keep them in order and then slide into sleeves on their connected legs. All you have to do is to put your feet on them to set up the sleeping surface.

The only negative is that it's difficult to take apart it - you have to be extremely strong to lift the legs and then it takes some effort to dismantle the frame itself. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.

If you're looking for something stronger and long-lasting, take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. If you choose this option, you will need to buy a new bed for your child after several years.

Some children will remain in the cot longer but most will want to move up to their first single mattress as an incentive 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 also easy to set up, without small parts that can be lost, and it feels secure enough to be held by a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.

Double Cot

A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. 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 changing needs. It has numerous support areas so that you can personalize it to meet your child's requirements. Furthermore, it's the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one child.

One feature that many parents appreciate about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed and later into an adult bed, giving it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy another bed. This is essential for parents with tight budgets and could save you money over the long term as your child develops into an adult.

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 up until your child reaches two years old. 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 ideal from birth and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature, as children can choke if their heads become trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.

The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold and can be difficult to get the legs in position. It's also the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it from the place where it is stored.

If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, 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 looks beautiful in any nursery and will blend with many different styles for kids' bedrooms after your baby is out of it.

Triple Cot

Cots offer the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your newborn to ensure they get the sleep they require. They are typically lower than beds and the base is capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots have drop sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn and makes it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots also allow you to remove one of the sides completely which can allow you to use it as a bassinet and make it a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.

Certain cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents. These include a drawer under the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to safeguard babies who are teething, and a riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is among our top ranked cribs choices. It is not only beautiful with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.

Having good quality sleep is crucial for all babies and it's worth your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your infant. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the various options available and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.

When buying a cot there are many things to take into account. This includes the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth, its storage capacity, if it comes with a hood that can be removed, and if the cot comes with bedding. It is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery or bedroom 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 more. These cots to tots are large enough to accommodate up to four babies at one time, and they come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready for bed. A lot of them come with a removable side rail to keep your baby close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a model with bunk beds which can be made into a single.

Many cots and tots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This can be a good option if you're worried your baby may slip in the night, and is beneficial for when your child starts to stand. A lot of cot mattresses are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, however there are some that use polyurethane foam, too.

It's a good idea pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They shouldn't be larger than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. It is also recommended to avoid cots that have feet and head boards that are solid because they can restrict limbs and clothing.

The ease of cleaning the cot should be considered. Check if the fabric can be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your bedding for a cot will work or if you'll have to buy some special travel cot sheets.

Babies require lots of toys, including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothes and other toys. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.