If you don’t know any bigfoots (bigfeet?), it’s also great for larger folks or people who toss and turn in their sleep. Smaller couples who are fond of cuddling will also appreciate the roomy platform it provides. If you're using a second-hand cot mattress, inspect it before your baby starts using it, ensuring that it's in good condition, with no rips or tears. The mattress should still be firm and springy when you push your hand down on it, and there should be no dips or indentations. My brother has ikea cots for his twins. They're nearly 3 and still going strong with it.” Recommended by Mumsnetter New2020) Our verdict

x 140 cm: This is a larger size for cot beds. It is a good size for older toddlers and young children. We were impressed by the included side table and cup holder included with the Coleman’s Camping Cot with Side Table. Being able to have your water bottle, book and headlamp at arm’s length is a major plus. x 70cm is the standard size of most UK cot beds, so you need to buy one with these dimensions. This will ensure that the mattress fits snugly into the frame, leaving no gaps around the edge. I have a cotbed from Obaby, the Stamford range. Absolutely love it, looks really expensive but was only mid range, much less than mamas and papas etc. They do matching stuff too but we just have an IKEA chest of drawers and then have a changing mat on the double bed that is still in our nursery for now.” (Loved by Mumsnetter whatcangowrong) Our verdictSome cot mattress brands, such as Kub , offer a mattress collection and recycling scheme, but this is a rare occurrence for cot mattress manufacturers. It's also possible to organise a mattress collection from a professional recycling firm, but you'll have to pay for this service. Lightweight cot frames are sturdy enough to support campers’ weight while they sleep but must be treated with more respect. In our testing, we’ve found that these lighter-weight cots are best eased into when it’s time for bed.

I loved my Stokke Sleepi. I bought it second hand and it’s done my 2 girls and still in great condition. I had mattresses made for it and just used normal cot sheets and they fit fine. It grows with the child with the extensions and it’s very pretty.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter TheGriffle) Our verdict We award a Great Value logo to cot mattresses that are at least 20% cheaper than the average typical price for a cot mattress and score at least 60%.The S-leg design is the first we’ve seen of its kind. The unique shape of these steel legs provides sturdiness and support. Plus, the brushed canvas is comfortable if you want to plop down on it for a midday nap. We generally don't recommend you buy or use a second-hand cot mattress. The Lullaby Trust (the safer sleep charity) states there is some research that has found an increased chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when using a second-hand mattress brought in from outside of the family home, although the link is not yet proven. How to buy the best travel cot – our advice will help you find a travel cot that provides a comfortable and safe space for your baby, that's straightforward to use and easily transportable too

If you plan on camping next to your car, the main thing to consider is how much space you have available in your mode of transportation, and whether you’ll have enough room for your cots and the rest of your gear. If you have ample space, comfort often becomes the first priority. After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer. When she's not working, Poppy enjoys Pilates, hunting for sea glass on the Sussex coast and playing with tarot cards. How we chose our recommendationsBefore we began researching the best cot beds, we first scrutinised the latest safe sleep advice from trusted organisations such as The Lullaby Trust, the NCT and the NHS so we could be confident that all the cots we were recommending were safe. x 120 cm: This is the most common size for cot beds. It is a good size for babies and toddlers, and it is also the size that most mattresses are made for. For people who only sleep a short distance from their cars, camping cots are a great choice. Since they won’t be hauling their cots far, the added weight and bulk aren’t as much of an issue.