How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will serve as the baby's bed until he or attains the age of four. So you want it to be comfortable solid and secure.
Check that the mattress is free of any gaps, because they can pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also, look for a cot that converts into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs only 2.68kg, and costs almost half the price of the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set up - the two main poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles complete with shock cords to help keep them in place and slide into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to put your feet on them to make the sleeping surface.
It can be difficult to disassemble. You need to be strong to take the legs off, and then it is an effort to dismantle the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've tested.
If you want something stronger and permanent, then take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. If you decide to go with this option, you'll need to buy a separate bed for your child after a few years.
Some children will remain in the cot for longer, but the majority will want to move up to their first single mattress - as an incentive for being a 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 simple to set up, with no small parts that can be lost, and feels solid enough to be able to hold a toddler without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It comes with the same security features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to suit your child's changing needs. It also has multiple support areas, so you can customize it to meet your child's requirements. best rated cribs is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at once because it can support up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one baby.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents are sure to love. It can be converted to a toddler's bed and then to a junior bed. This provides it with longevity and means that you don't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds and can save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health professionals since they provide the best safety for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used up until your child reaches two years old. After that, it will need to be changed to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature, as children can choke if their heads become stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a hassle to put the legs in position. It's also the biggest cot in our list, and can be heavy to carry around if you need to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, you should look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living room. It looks stunning in any nursery and can be incorporated into many different designs for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your infant, ensuring that they get the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet the baby's developmental stage. They are generally lower than beds. Some cots come with drop sides that allow you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your baby and makes it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots offer the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that help parents. There is a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect to store things in, rails that safeguard babies who are teething and a riser leg which can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. 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 extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the ideal cradle or cot for them. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the various options available and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it comes with drop sides for small infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has a removable hood and if it has bedding. It is also worth checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery or bedroom with plenty of room for movement and 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 cots are large enough to accommodate up to four babies at one time, and they come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready for bed. Some also have the option of a side rail which can be removed to allow you to place your baby near you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may want to look for one with a bunk that can be converted into an individual bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's size. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your baby may slip during the night, and also beneficial for when your child is beginning to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made of polyurethane.
It is a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars as well as they should not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your child from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they can entrap clothing or legs.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure it's machine washable and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. You should also determine if your standard bedding for a cot is suitable or if you need to purchase a special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of paraphernalia such as nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.