How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

The cot will serve as the baby's bed until she is four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.

Check that the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a cot that converts to an infant bed.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version I tested. 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, then they slide easily into sleeves attached to their legs and you just have to place your feet in them to create the sleeping surface.

The only negative is that it can be difficult to remove it - you have to be really strong to pull out the legs, and then it takes some effort to dismantle the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've ever tested.

If you want something stronger and durable, take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market. If you opt for this option, you'll have to buy a new bed for your child after a few years.

Some children are happy to remain in a cot longer than this, however most are keen to get their first single bed which could be presented as a 'prize' for being a big brother or sister!

The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller children, offering a wonderful night's rest on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and has no small pieces to break, and is solid enough to support children without worry about wobbly parts.

Double Cot

A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It has the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to fit your child's growing needs. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can find the ideal size for your child's needs. Moreover, this is the only cot that we tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 lb. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families who require space with more than one child.

One feature that many parents adore about this crib sets is that it can convert into a toddler bed, and then into an adult bed, giving it an extended lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy another bed. This is crucial for families on tight budgets and can save you money over the long term as your child grows into an adult.

Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts as they offer the best baby cots safety for your baby. The bed is intended to be used until your child is two years old. After that, it will need 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 for babies who are still in the sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll. This is an essential feature as children can suffocate when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions in the cot.

The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires considerable effort to fold it and can be quite finicky when trying to position the legs into place. It's also the biggest cot on our list, and can be heavy to carry when you have to transport it from the storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, look no further than this deluxe wood cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture will enhance the look, comfort and functionality in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom once your baby outgrows it.

Triple Cot

Cots are specially designed for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are generally lower than beds. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep safely with your newborn. It also makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots also have the option to remove one of the sides completely. This can allow you to use it as a bassinet, and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your cheap baby cots (you can try www.daoban.org) in your bed.

Some cots and tots have additional features that can simplify life for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot that is perfect to store items or keep your essential items close at hand, anti-bite rails at the top rated cots of the cot to safeguard teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love 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 different heights for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's rest. So, it is worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for your baby. If you're struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is ideal for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group leader and other parents who are new?

When buying a cot there are a lot of things to consider. These include the sides and depth of the cot, its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood, and if it comes with bedding. Make sure you check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to make sure it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there is enough room to move around and that it's not too close to windows or heat sources.

Quadruple Cot

You'll need a four-in-1 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate up to four babies at one time They also come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your little ones ready for bed. Some also have a side rail that can be removed, to allow you to place your child near you while they rest. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model that has bunk beds that can be converted into one.

Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried that your newborn might slip down in the night, and it's also beneficial the time when your child begins to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made of polyurethane.

It is a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. You should also be wary of cots that have feet and head boards that are solid as they could trap limbs or clothing.

Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean. Check if the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll have to buy some special sheets for travel cots.

Babies require a lot of paraphernalia, including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) bedding clothing, toys and more. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage. It can help you organize everything and easily accessible.