How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they are around four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure it is gaps-free mattresses, since gaps could pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also look for a cot that converts into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost 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 hold them in place. They then slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to put your feet in them to create the sleep surface.
It's not easy to disassemble. You must be strong to take the legs off, and then it is quite a task to dismantle the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the best lightweight cot I've ever tried.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. If you choose this option, you will need to purchase a separate bed for your child after some time.
Some children are content to stay in a cot for longer than this, but most are keen to transition to their first single bed that can be presented as a "prize for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, without small parts that can be lost, and it's solid enough to be able to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It has the same safety features of a single cot. It has side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to meet your child's growing needs. It also has multiple support areas, so you can customize it to your child's specific needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 lb. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families that will need to share space.
A great feature that many parents love about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed, and then into the junior bed, which gives it a longer life span and ensuring that you don't have to buy another bed. This is a great option for parents with limited budgets, and will save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health experts since they provide the best safety for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used until your child reaches two years old. After that, it will need to be changed to a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are in the sitting position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature as children may choke if their heads become stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not very mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when trying to get the legs into place. It's also the biggest cot we've reviewed, and can be heavy to carry around if you have to move it from its storage area.
This deluxe wood cot is a great choice if you are looking for a cot with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery and will complement various designs for kids' bedrooms after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your newborn to ensure they get the sleep they require. The base can be raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are generally lower than beds. Many cots have an opening that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots allow the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a drawer under the cot that is perfect to store things in, rails that protect babies with teeth and a riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different heights for the mattress.
A good night's sleep is vital for all babies therefore it's worth the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your infant. If you're struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is ideal for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a trained group leader and other new parents?
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has a drop side for petite babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These large cots can accommodate four babies at once and include bedding sets that make it easier to get your kids up and ready for bed. Some have a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may think about a product that has a bunk bed which can be made into a single.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet the size of your baby. This is a great option to consider if you're worried that your baby might fall down in the night. It's also a great option when your child is beginning to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, however you can find models that make use of polyurethane foam as well.
Select Baby Cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be more than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards as they can trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot should be considered. Make sure the fabric can be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your existing cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to purchase specialized sheets for travel cots.
Nappy costs can quickly go up! Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot with storage space, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.