How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will serve as their sleep space until they are around four years old. So you want it to be comfy sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Make sure that the mattress is free of any gaps, as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set up. The two main poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles complete with shock cord to keep them in order and then slide into sleeves on their connected legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to create the sleeping area.
It's not easy to take apart. It is necessary to be strong enough to pull the legs out and then it's an effort to dismantle the frame. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the lightest frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and durable, take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. They're usually suitable from birth until around 2 years old, so you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children may stay in the cot longer however, the majority of children will want to go to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's easy to put together and has no small pieces to break, and is solid enough to support a child without worrying about unstable parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas so that you can customize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested that can accommodate two infants at one time, as it can hold up to 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families that require space sharing.
This cot has a great feature that parents are sure to love. It can be converted to a toddler's bed and later it can be converted into a junior bed. This will give it a longer lifespan and means you don't need to purchase a new bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health experts as they offer the most safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately two years old. They then need to be converted into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is a crucial feature because children could choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires considerable effort to fold and can be quite finicky when you try to put the legs into place. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from the place where it is stored.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, then you should look no further than this luxurious wood cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that elevates design, comfort and utility in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and blends perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for infants and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. Baby Crib are typically lower than beds and have a base that is able to be raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have a drop-side that allows you to co-sleep safely with your newborn. It also makes it easier to feed at the night. Some cots have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which could allow you to use it as a bassinet to provide a safer option to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify life for parents, such as a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot which is ideal for storage or to keep the essentials to hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top of the cot to protect teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also super practical with three height settings for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth your time to find the ideal cradle or cot for them. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the various options available and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has drop sides for small babies or health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot, whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. Double check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to make sure it is suitable for your bedroom or nursery. Be sure that there is enough room to move around and that it is not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins you'll require a quadruple cot. These cots are built to accommodate up to four babies at one time They include bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready to go to bed. Many have a removable side rail to keep your child close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a model with bunk beds which can be made into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This is a great option for parents who are concerned that your child could fall asleep at night. It's also a great idea for when your child is beginning to stand up. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made from polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Check the bars' length too, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to prevent your child from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards as they can entrap clothing or legs.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if the fabric is able to be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your standard bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll need purchase special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of accessories, including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage. It will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.