How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

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

Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps, as these can be a suffocation hazard for babies. Also look for a cot that can be converted to a toddler bed.

Single sale cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up - the two primary poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles, with shock cord to keep them in order and slide into sleeves on their connected legs. You just need to put your feet on them to make the sleeping area.

The only negative is that it's difficult to remove it - you have to be really strong to lift the legs and it can take some effort to dismantle the frame itself. It's not a major issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight cot I've ever tried.

If you want something more sturdy and permanent, then take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth until around 2 years old, which means you'll need to purchase one bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.

Some children will stay in the cot longer, but the majority will want to move to their first single mattress as an incentive 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's also easy to set up, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it feels safe enough to hold a toddler without any wobbly bits to worry about.

Double Cot

A double cot is ideal for newborn twins or siblings who want to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It comes with numerous support areas so that you can tailor it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at a time because it can support up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that require space with more than one baby.

One feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and later into a junior bed, giving it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy another bed. This is crucial for families with tight budgets and could 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 professionals since they provide the most safety for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used until your child reaches 2 years. After that, it needs to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.

This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are still in a supine position. The highest setting is suggested 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.

This cot's only downside is that it isn't easy to fold and can be difficult to get the legs into position. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and can feel heavy to carry around if you need to move it far from its storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, then look no further than this luxury wood cot. This beautiful piece of furniture will enhance the look, comfort and functionality in your living room. It is also stunning 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 provide the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your newborn, ensuring that they get the sleep they require. They are usually lower than beds and the base is adjustable to accommodate your baby's development stage. Some cots come with a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn and makes it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots have the option of removing one side completely which allows you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.

Some cots have additional features that help parents. These include a drawer under the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to protect teething babies and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed (postheaven.Net), which is beautiful to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also very practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.

Having good quality sleep is crucial for all babies therefore it's worth the time to find the perfect cot or crib for your infant. If you are struggling to decide what type of Mini Cot Bed or crib is the best crib option for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a trained group instructor and other new parents?

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

Quadruple Cot

You'll need a four-in-one cot for sale if you are expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at once They also come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready for bed. A lot of them have a side rail to keep your baby close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model that has bunk beds that can be transformed into one.

A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried your baby could slip in the night, and is beneficial for when your child is beginning to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made of polyurethane.

Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards, as they could trap clothing or legs.

Another important consideration is how easy it is to clean. Make sure the fabric can be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need purchase specialized sheets for travel cots.

Babies require a lot of accessories, including nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage. It can assist you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.