How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

A cot is a baby's first bed and will serve as their sleeping space until they are around four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy solid and secure.

Make sure the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also, look for a cot that is able to convert into a toddler bed.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set up - the two poles are able to snap together like unusually large tent poles, with shock cord to help keep them in place, then they slide easily into sleeves attached to their legs. You just need to put your feet on them to create the sleeping area.

It's not easy to dismantle. You must be strong to take the legs off, and then it is quite a task to take apart the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.

If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and long-lasting, take a look at the range of cot beds on the market. If you choose this option, you'll have to buy a new bed for your child in a few years.

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

The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together, has no small parts to lose, and feels sturdy enough to hold the child's weight without worrying about unstable parts.

Double Cot

A double cot is great for newborn twins or siblings who need to sleep close together. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to meet your child's growing needs. It comes with multiple support areas so you can tailor it to meet your child's requirements. Furthermore, it's the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once and can accommodate two infants up to 325 pounds. 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 can be converted into a toddler bed and then into an adult bed, giving it a longer life span and meaning that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget 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 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 converted into a toddler or junior bed.

This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby is able to roll over. This is an essential aspect as babies can choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions in the cot.

This cot's only downside is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be difficult to get the legs into the right position. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around if you have to move it far from the place where it is stored.

If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then look no further than this deluxe wood cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living space. It is also stunning in any nursery and will blend well with a range of different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.

Triple Cot

Cots are specially designed for newborns and provide an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet your baby's development stage. They are usually lower than beds. A lot of cots have an opening that allows you to safely co-sleep with your baby and makes it easier for night time feedings. Some cots even allow you to remove one of the sides completely which could allow you to use it as a bassinet to create a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.

Some cots also have extra features that can make life a little easier for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot, which is great to store items or keep the essentials at hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot for protection infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our cots we love 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 very practical with three different heights for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

It is essential that your child gets a good night's sleep. So, it is worth the time to find the right cot or cradle for them. 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 look at the different options with a qualified group leader and other new parents?

When buying a cot there are many things to take into consideration. These include the dimensions of the infant cot bed's sides and depth and storage capacity, Baby Beds if it has a removable hood, and if it comes with bedding. Double check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to ensure that it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough space to move around and that it's not too close to windows or sources of heat.

Quadruple Cot

You'll require a four-in-one crib if you're 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 easy to get your little ones ready for bed. Some have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you as they sleep. 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 affordable cots feature an adjustable mattress that can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your baby may slip in the night, and is useful for when your child starts to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However there are models made of polyurethane.

It is a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the bars' length too and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.

The ease of cleaning the cot should also be considered. Make sure it can be washed in the machine and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. You'll also need to consider whether your existing cot bedding will fit or if you'll need buy some special travel cot sheets.

The cost of a diaper can quickly increase! Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.