Cot Buying Guide

Here are some useful hints and tips for things to consider when choosing a cot.

How to Choose a Cot: Introduction

A cot will be your baby's bed for at least the first two years after his or her birth, so it's important to buy one that will be safe, durable and comfortable. You don't always need to use a cot for your baby in the first few months after birth - some parents prefer to use a Moses basket or carry cot during the early days - but whether you choose to buy a cot for your baby straight after birth or some time later, it's essential to know what to look for.

Features to Look for When You Buy a Cot

Key features to look out for when choosing a cot include:

Shape and size - Cots come in a range of shapes to suit the layout of your baby's room and your baby's needs. For example, you can buy, corner shaped cots that neatly fit the corner of a room, or oval shaped combi-cots, which double up as a junior sized bed, a chair or a sofa.
Drop side - Convenient and safe, a drop side on a cot allows you to raise or lower one of the cot railings with one hand, whilst cradling your baby with the other hand.
Adjustable height - Many cots have an adjustable base, so you can set the height; higher at first, so the baby can be lifted easily, then lower when your baby learns to pull themselves up, so they are secure in the cot.
Castors - These make it easier to move the cot around the room - if you choose a cot with castors, at least two of the castors should be lockable for safety.
Teething rails - Protecting your baby's gums, teething rails cover the cot railings. They should be made of clear, non-toxic plastic in case your baby attempts to chew the railings.

Other Types of Cot to Choose From

Buying a cot can be an expensive investment, so it's important that you choose one that's as versatile as possible. However, sometimes it can be worthwhile looking at looking choosing a cot for a particular need:

Travel Cot - If you are taking your baby on holiday with you, a travel cot is an essential and useful investment. Look out for a travel cot with plenty of storage for all the baby accessories that you'll need to take with you, and choose one that's easy to carry - some models come with wheels and handles for ease of use.
Bedside Cot - With a handy removable side railing, a bedside cot fits neatly next to your bed - ideal for night time feeds and attention.
Cot Bed - Essentially, a cot bed allows you to get extra mileage from your cot, as it transforms conveniently into a junior sized bed. Although a cot bed should save you money, most models of cot bed don't have drop sides when they are in cot mode, so bear this in mind before making your final decision.

Choosing the Best Cot Bedding

It's important to buy the right type of bedding for your baby's cot. Mattresses should be firm, clean and dry, made from non-allergenic and non-toxic materials and must meet high performance and safety standards. Any mattress that you buy for your baby's cot should also be fire resistant.

Sheets for the cot should be non-allergenic and machine washable. Duvets are suitable for babies over 12 months old, and should be 4.0 tog.

Set a Budget Before You Go to Buy a Cot

Buying a cot can be expensive, but it is worth paying for one that will suit your baby's needs. Set a limit on the amount of money you are prepared to spend - but remember that by shopping around online, comparing different cot retailers' prices and taking advantage of special offers and discounts, you might get a better cot than your budget would normally allow.

A warranty ensures that you will be covered for repairs to your new cot or a replacement (under certain conditions), and last for around 2 years from the date of purchase. Most cots come with a reasonable warranty, although you can pay for an extended warranty. It's a good idea to compare the terms of warranties offered by different cot retailers and manufacturers before buying your new cot.