How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

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

Check that the mattress is free of gaps, as they could pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also, look for an adjustable cot.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the cost of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set up. The two primary poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles with shock cord to help keep them in place and then slide into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to put your feet on them to create the sleeping area.

The only drawback is that it's difficult to remove it - you have to be really strong to remove the legs and it takes some effort to remove the frame itself. But that's a minor complaint and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tried.

Take a look at the cot bed range that is available if you're seeking something more durable and long-lasting. If you opt for this option, you will need to buy a new bed for your child once they reach some time.

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

The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, allowing a good night's rest on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. It's easy to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to lose, and feels solid enough to support a child without worrying about wobbly parts.

Double Cot

A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same security features as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to meet the needs of your child's growing up. It comes with multiple support areas so you can tailor it to meet your child's requirements. This is the only cot we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time and can hold up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one child.

This cot has a fantastic feature that parents appreciate. It can be converted to a toddler's bed and then to a junior bed. This will give it an extended life span and means that you won't have to purchase a second bed. This is great for those with limited budgets and will save money as your child grows.

Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option for a lot of health professionals since they provide the best safety for your Baby Cot Bed. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is approximately two years old. They eventually require conversion into an infant bed or a junior bed.

This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby is able to roll over. This is a crucial feature as children can suffocate when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.

The only issue with this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold it and can be quite finicky when trying to position the legs in a proper position. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed and can be quite heavy to carry if you need to move it from the storage location.

This premium wood cot is a great option if you're looking for a cot with all the features. This stunning piece of furniture will elevate style, comfort and function in your living space. It also looks stunning in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom when your child is old enough to outgrow it.

Triple Cot

Cots are designed specifically for infants and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds and have a base that is adjustable to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. This also makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots also allow you 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 in your bed.

Some cots have additional features that make life a little easier for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage or to keep the essentials at hand, anti-bite rails at the top of the cot for protection infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline 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, but it is also super practical with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as 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 sleep. So, it is worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for your baby. If you're trying to figure out what kind of cot or crib is the best cot newborn option for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group instructor and other new parents?

There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, especially if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or with health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has a removable hood and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to heat sources or windows.

Quadruple Cot

You'll need a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at once They also come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your little ones ready to go to bed. A lot of them have a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby 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 one.

Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This is a great solution if you are worried that your child might fall down in the night. It's also a great crib option when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton, but you can find models that use polyurethane foam, too.

It is a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides, which will allow 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 avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards, as these can hold limbs or clothing.

Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean. Check if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. You'll also need to consider whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to buy some special sheets for travel cots.

Babies need a lot of toys, including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) bedding clothes and other toys. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.