How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's bed until he or is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, since gaps could pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up - the two primary poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles with shock cord to keep them arranged and then slide into sleeves attached to their legs and you just have to put your feet on them to make the sleeping surface.
It isn't easy to take apart. It is necessary to be strong enough to take the legs off and then it's quite a task to take apart the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tried.
If you're looking for something stronger and long-lasting, take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market. If you choose this option, you will need to purchase a separate bed for your child once they reach some time.
Some children are content to stay in a cot for more than this, but most are keen to transition to their first single bed - that can be presented as a "prize for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, allowing a good night's rest on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small pieces that could 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 is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who will need to share a bed. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. Full File has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It comes with numerous support areas so that you can customize it to meet your child's requirements. Moreover, this is the only cot we test that can accommodate multiple infants simultaneously and can accommodate two babies as big as 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one child.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents are sure to love. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and then a junior bed. This provides it with longevity and means you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is essential for parents who are on a tight budget and will save you money over the long term as your child grows into a young adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health experts since they provide the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is approximately 2 years old and will then need to be converted into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are in a supine position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll over. This is an important aspect, as babies can choke if their heads become stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not the most mobile, as it takes an enormous amount of effort to fold it and can be quite fussy when trying to position the legs into place. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed and can be quite heavy to carry if you have to transport it from its storage location.
This luxury wood cot is a great option if you're looking for a cot with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery, and will complement various styles for kids' bedrooms once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for infants and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are typically lower than beds. Many cots have a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn and makes it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots allow you to remove one of the sides completely, which could allow you to use it as a bassinet to make it a safer alternative 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 that is perfect for storage or to keep the essentials at hand, anti-bite rails that are placed on top of the cot to safeguard infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, and being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It is essential that your child gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the right cot or cradle for your child. Participate in 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 the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, especially if it has a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it comes with an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. Double check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to ensure that it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough space for your baby to move about and that it's not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and include bedding sets that make it easier to get your children ready for bed. A lot of them have a removable side rail to keep your baby close to you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model that has a bunk bed that can be converted into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried that your baby may slip at night, and also beneficial for when your child is beginning to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials, such as 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. Be sure to check the bars too. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards as they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be considered. Make sure the fabric can be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need buy some special travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of paraphernalia including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothes and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage space. It can assist you organize everything and easily accessible.