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 reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps, as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. Also consider an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together, like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in place. Then, they slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to put your feet in them to make the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be extremely strong to lift the legs and then it takes some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's a minor issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
Take a look at the range of cot beds available that is available if you're looking for something more durable and long-lasting. They're usually suitable from birth until around 2 years old, so you'll need one bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children prefer to remain in a cot for longer than this, but most are keen to move on to their first single bed which could 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 is easy to assemble and has no small pieces to get lost, and is solid enough to support a child without worrying about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for newborn twins or siblings who will need to sleep together. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It also has multiple support areas so you can personalize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at a time, as it can hold up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one baby.
One feature that many parents adore about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed and then onto the junior bed, which gives it a longer life span and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is important for those who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the future as your baby grows into a young adult.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds because they provide the most security for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches 2 years old. They will eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable from birth and the highest for when 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 issue with this cot is that it's not very mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold and can be a bit finicky when trying to get the legs in a proper position. Also, it is the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from the storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, then take a look at this luxury wooden cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends well with a range of different styles for your child's bedroom after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping space for your baby, ensuring that they get the rest they require. The base can be raised to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are typically lower than beds. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. This allows you to feed your baby at night. Some cots also have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which allows you to use it as a bassinet to provide a safer option to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can make life easier for parents, such as a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping the essentials at hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot for protection teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also extremely practical, with three height settings for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is essential for all babies and it's worth your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your infant. If you are struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is the best option for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a certified group leader and other parents who are new?
When purchasing a cot, there are many things to take into account. This includes the cot's depth and sides, its storage capacity, if it has a removable hood, and if the cot includes bedding. Double check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to ensure that it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Be sure that there is enough room to move around and that it is not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate up to four babies at one time, and they come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready to go to bed. They also come with a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your child close to you while they rest. If you have other children you might prefer a model with a bunk bed that can be turned into a single bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet your baby's size. This is a great option if you are worried that your child might fall asleep in the night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand up. 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, too.
It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from climbing out. Avoid Baby Crib with solid foot and head boards since they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be taken into consideration. Find out if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. You'll also have to consider whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to buy some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of diapers can quickly increase! bedding, clothing and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.