We've quizzed parents to find out which cot bed brands they rate highly. For the full results, explore our guide to the best cot bed brands . Babies need lots of sleep, and during the first two years of their life they will on average spend more of their time sleeping than not. If your baby sleeps in a cot, you should definitely take cot safety into consideration. It’s worthwhile spending time choosing the right one for you and for them. Choosing a cot

Cots are generally around 120cm long x 60cm wide, while cot beds are typically bigger, averaging at 140cm long x 70cm wide. However, cot beds do come in different designs, so sizes can vary. Consider investing in a baby monitor so you can watch over your little one's cot. Our expert guide uncovers the best baby monitors . Where to buy a cot bed or cot You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby courses helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.The mattress needs to be kept as clean and hygienic as possible. You can either use one with a wipe-clean covering or a removable top panel that you can wash at a high temperature. Alternatively, you could use a mattress protector, which covers the mattress to stop it getting wet if the baby dribbles or their nappy leaks.

A good rule to bear in mind is that the lowest side of the cot shouldn’t be lower than the shoulder height of your baby. Get some help Most cot beds are large and unwieldy, and it's far easier to assemble them with two people. Most instruction manuals tell you to assemble the cot bed with it standing up, but we've found that assembling the cot on its side is usually much easier. The Baby Elegance Bedside Travel Cot is a 2-in-1 baby travel cot and bedside crib. It’s suitable from birth up to 15kg, so it’s just right for travelling with a baby. The removable bassinet layer is made for use from birth up to 9kg. There are three main types of mattresses you can choose from: foam cot mattresses, spring-interior cot mattresses and coir cot mattresses. There are pros and cons to each of these. Do your research, test, touch and feel each type and decide what suits you and your family best. Cot bumpers aren't generally recommended either because of the danger of suffocation and overheating.Cot beds can be a pain to put together, even if you have more than one pair of hands and a reasonable level of DIY experience. Babies who share the same room as their parents for the first six months or so have a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death. Here are some guidelines which help towards cot death prevention and encourage safe sleep for your baby: lower the risk of this occurring:

We've crunched the numbers and there's a clear winner. A hefty 25% of respondents told us they used a cot bed from the most popular brand. It's safer to convert the cot to a junior bed so your child can't hurt themselves when escaping, rather than them spending hours in A&E with a possible concussion.Using a second-hand cot could save you some cash, but there are some essential safety tips to read first. Casters – Some cots have casters or mounted wheels, which is handy if you want to move it into a different room. The position of the cot bed in your bedroom or nursery is very important. For the first six months, experts say it's safest for your baby to sleep in the same room as you, but after that, you might want to move them to their own room.

Babies should not sleep with electric blankets or hot water bottles, although, if you are worried about the cot being too cold you could use one that is removed before the baby goes in. As mentioned above duvets, bumpers and pillows are not recommended if your baby is under one year old.

Second hand cots

Keep the cot away from heat sources Make sure your child isn't next to a radiator or in direct sunlight. To keep an eye on the temperature, buy a room thermometer or get a baby monitor with a temperature display. Make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly, and stays reliably in the ‘up’ position. You should also ensure the drop side can't be lowered by a child. It is also recommended by some experts that a cot with bars on all four sides is better, as it allows air to circulate freely while your baby sleeps. Most cot beds also have side rails that are around 84-87cm high in the highest position, which makes them challenging for shorter people to reach over. A cot bed with a drop-side will reduce this height, making it easier to reach your baby when the base is on the lowest position.