How to Choose the best crib for newborn Cot For Newborns

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

Make sure the mattress is free of gaps, as they could pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a convertible cot.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs just 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to hold them in position. Then they slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet into them to create the sleep surface.

The only drawback is that it can be difficult to remove - you need to be extremely strong to lift the legs, and then it takes some effort to dismantle the frame itself. However, this is a minor issue and it's the most lightweight cot I've ever tested.

If you're looking for something more sturdy and long-lasting, take an interest in the variety of cot beds available on the market. If you choose this option, you'll need to buy a separate bed for your child in a few years.

Some children are happy to stay 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 the big brother or sister!

The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small children, offering a wonderful night's rest on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no small cot beds pieces that could be lost, and it's safe enough to be held by a toddler without any wobbly bits to worry about.

Double Cot

A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It has the same security features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It comes with numerous support areas so that you can customize it to your child's specific needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot we've test that can accommodate multiple infants simultaneously and can accommodate two babies up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one baby.

This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents appreciate. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and then to a junior bed. This provides it with longevity and means that you won't need to purchase a new bed. This is essential for parents with tight budgets and could save you money in the future as your child develops into a young adult.

The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds as they provide the greatest safety for your child. The crib is intended to be used until your child is two years old. After that, it needs to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler bed.

This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are still in the sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll over. This is a crucial feature as children may choke if their heads become trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.

This cot's only downside is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a hassle to get the legs into place. It's also the biggest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry when you have to transport it from its storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, you should look no further than this luxury wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds style, comfort and functionality in your living space. It also looks stunning in any nursery and blends well with different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.

Triple Cot

Cots provide the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your infant, ensuring that they get the sleep they require. They are typically lower than beds and have a base that is able to be raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Some cots come with drop sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn, making it easier to take nighttime feedings. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which can allow you to use it as a bassinet to make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.

Some cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great to store items or keep your essential items close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top of the cot to protect teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. One of our favourite cots to tots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

It is essential that your child gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worth your time to find the best cradle or cot for them. If you're struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is the Best Cot for newborn option for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a trained group leader and other new parents?

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

Quadruple Cot

You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets to aid in getting your child to bed. Some come with a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model with a bunk bed that can be transformed into one.

Many cots feature an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your baby could slip during the night, and also beneficial when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed of natural materials such as cotton or wool, but there are some that make use of polyurethane foam as well.

It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They shouldn't be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards as they can trap clothing or the limbs of your child.

The ease of cleaning the cot needs to also be considered. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. Also, you should determine whether your bedding for a cot is suitable or if you'll need to purchase a specific travel cot sheet.

The cost of a diaper can quickly increase! bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.