A cot is the baby's first bed, and will be their sleeping space until they reach around four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Check it has gaps-free mattresses because gaps can be the risk of suffocation for infants. Also look for a cot that converts into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set-up. The two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to keep them in place. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You simply need to place your feet on them to make the sleeping surface.
It's not easy to dismantle. It is necessary to be strong enough to pull the legs out and then it's a bit of work to dismantle the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I'm convinced that it's the lightest cot I've ever tried.
Check out the range of cot beds available on the market if looking for something that is more durable and long-lasting. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years old, which means you'll need to purchase a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children prefer to remain in a cot for more than this, but the majority of them are eager 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 sleep for infants and small children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and doesn't have any small pieces to get lost, and is sturdy enough to hold children without worry about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It also has multiple support areas, so you can choose the perfect fit to meet your child's specific needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot we've test that can accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one child.
This cot has a great feature that parents appreciate. It can be converted into a toddler's bed and then a junior bed. This provides it with an extended life span 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 over the long term as your child 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 birth until your child is approximately two years old. They then need to be converted 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 suitable for babies who are still in a supine position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital feature as children may choke if their heads are trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when you try to put the legs. It's also the largest cot on our list and can be quite heavy to carry when you have to transport it from its storage location.
This luxury wood cot is the perfect option if you're searching for a cot with all the features. This stunning piece of furniture will elevate style, comfort and function in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and can blend well with different styles for your child's bedroom once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are usually lower than beds. Some cots come with a drop side which allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn, making it easier to take nighttime feeds. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely which allows you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a safer option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify life for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot, which is great for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails that are placed on top of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also super practical with three height settings for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the right cot or cradle for your child. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the available options and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has 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 has bedding. It is also worth making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets to aid in getting your kids up and ready for bed. Many come with a removable side rail to keep your baby close to you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model that has a bunk bed that can be transformed into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried that your baby may slip in the night, and it's also beneficial for when your child is beginning to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However there are models made from polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They shouldn't be wider than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards, as they could trap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be considered. Find out if it's machine washable and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. You should also determine whether your standard bedding for a cot is suitable or if you need to purchase a special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of paraphernalia, including nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.
