Do you feel good wearing it? This is very important as you'll be using this bag a lot. Don't forget your own style (and that of your partner) when making your choice. The time may pass by in a blur, but after just a few short months, your baby can start to outgrow their moses basket or crib, meaning it’s time to think about investing in the best cot or cot bed for your little one. Transitioning from their newborn bed to a cot or cot bed is a major milestone in your baby’s life, often meaning they’ll be sleeping in their own room for the very first time. As such, you’ll want to find a cot bed that is good value, comfortable and most importantly, safe. Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products or the ones with the most extra features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family. Here at Mumsnet, we're dedicated to making parents' lives easier and we know how much difference the right product can make. That's why we've vetted and reviewed all sorts of products, from the best breast pumps to the best baby bottles - turning to the real experts: the real parents of the Mumsnet forums, for recommendations. Next, consider its ease of use. Are you after a traditional travel cot comprising a frame and fabric cot, or a pop-up travel cot (which might be lighter but less sturdy)? Is your travel cot compact and easy to fold away? Will it take long to assemble? The travel cots listed in this edit have all been selected for their ease of use.

After thoroughly testing each bag, we then scored them on several criteria, including comfort, aesthetics, value for money, practicality and cleanliness. Your baby can use the travel cot well into their third year, so it is worth the investment,” Motherhood Coach and Baby Expert Millie Poppins told us. Your travel cot will serve a purpose until your toddler is too big or old enough to climb out. Are travel cots safe? Looks for added extras - is there a perfect-fit changing mat included or do you need to buy one separately?

What age can a baby sleep in a travel cot?

Before 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. Changing mat: There's not much point in buying a baby changing mat without the mat. Sure, there are some good options down below that come sans mat if you have a solid reason not to buy one, but if you're a first time mum, ensure your nappy bag comes with a large, fold-out mat attached. Many modern changing bags are designed to look good while offering practical features too, so it's perfectly possible to find a changing bag you're also happy to use for other situations. In the early months and years of parenthood, you'll be using your changing bag a lot, so it makes sense to put as much consideration and money towards it as you would any other everyday bag. What to look for when choosing a changing bag We also consulted renowned consumer organisations such as Which? to gather information on how to choose the best quality products and also those that would offer the most value for money.

The best travel cots come with genuinely comfortable mattresses (nowhere near as lumpy as they once were) for your baby girl or baby boy to get a killer night's kip, and they double up as playpens for during the day/when you're getting ready for dinner with thanks to the high mesh sides. If you’re thinking about other baby equipment you’ll need in the months ahead - our guides to the best baby monitors, the best mattress protectors and the best travel cots have you covered for the essentials. Worn on the hip with a long crossbody strap. Our tester found that leaning forward could sometimes cause the bag to swing around in front. It wins on the durability front. Made with high-quality materials, including water-resistant nylon and metal hardware, this bag is built to last. It's easy to clean, and the exterior material is resistant to stains and spills.Changing bags come in a variety of styles and sizes. With lots to fit in, it can be tempting to go for the largest option you can find. But you’ll need to consider if it’s too heavy to lift, especially as you may be pushing or carrying your little one too. Having said that, many babies sleep well in a cot from birth. They're a safe place for babies to sleep and if you have space, you can set it up in your own bedroom initially. A baby sleeping bag or swaddle can help them feel more at home. What bedding do you need for a cot bed? As they grow, the cot converts into a 140 x 70cm junior bed that’ll last until they’re around six - by which age they'll be old enough for a bunk bed or single. The cot bed has a tasteful, neutral design and is made from high-quality New Zealand Pine - perfect for handing on or selling secondhand. Key details – Features: Removable changing mat and bottle warmer; Weight: 590g; Bag dimensions: 37.2 x 31 x 4.8cm; Washing instructions: Wipe clean We took all the cots and cot beds that came most highly recommended by consumers and parents to draw up a shortlist of 20 products and then narrowed it down to the eight you see here, which we think offer enough choice for every family. Why you should trust us

Find out more about why we love these baby changing bags below. Baby changing bags: what you need to know

Cons: The bag is specifically designed to be used with Stokke strollers, so it may not be compatible with other brands of strollers. Key details – Features: Removable changing mat; Bag dimensions: 40 x 14 x 30cm; Washing instructions: Wipe clean only