How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until he or attains the age of four. Therefore, you want it to be comfortable sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Make sure it is a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be the risk of suffocation for infants. Also, look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on market. It weighs just 2.68kg and costs nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in position. Then, they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their linked legs. You simply need to put your feet into them to make the sleeping surface.
It can be difficult to take apart. It is necessary to be strong to take the legs off and then it's a bit of work to remove the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the most lightweight cot I've ever tried.
Look at the range of cot beds available on the market if looking for something that is more durable and permanent. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years old, which means you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children may stay in the cot longer but the majority will want to move to their first single mattress as a reward for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, without small parts that can be lost, and it feels solid enough to be able to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to suit your child's changing needs. It comes with numerous support areas so that you can tailor it to your child's needs. In addition, this is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies up to 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one child.
A great feature that many parents love about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and then into an adult bed, giving it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't need to purchase another new bed. This is important for those with tight budgets and could save you money in the long run as your baby grows into an adult.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds as they provide the most protection for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches 2 years old. They will eventually require conversion into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are still in a sitting position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby is able to roll. This is a crucial aspect, as babies can choke if their heads get trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.

The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs in a proper position. It is also the largest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry when you have to move it from its storage location.
This luxury wood cot is a great option if you're looking for a cot that has all the features. This gorgeous piece of furniture can be elevated in style, comfort and function in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends well with different styles of bedrooms for kids when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. They are usually smaller than beds, with the base being able to be raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn, making it easier for night time feedings. Some cots have the option of removing a side completely which allows you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents. There is a drawer under the cot which is ideal for storage, rails to protect babies with teeth, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also very practical, with three different height settings for the mattress.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worth your time to find the ideal cradle or cot for them. If browse around here are struggling to decide what type 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?
There are many things to consider when buying a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it comes with drop sides for small babies or with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it has a removable hood and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough room for movement and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and include bedding sets that make it easier to get your child to bed. Many also feature an end rail that can be removed which allows you to put your child near you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a model with bunk beds that can be converted into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This is a great idea to consider if you're worried that your baby might fall down in the night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand up. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made of polyurethane.
It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards, as they can trap clothing or legs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll need buy some special sheets for travel cots.
Babies require lots of paraphernalia including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.