How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed, and will be their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also consider an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set-up. The two main poles snap together, like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to hold them in place. Then, they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to put your feet in them to set up the sleep surface.
It's not easy to disassemble. You must be strong to pull the legs out and then it's an effort to take apart the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tested.
Check out cots and tots that is available if you're seeking something more durable and permanent. If you opt for this option, you'll have to purchase a separate bed for your child after some time.
Some children will stay in the cot longer, but the majority will want to go to their first single mattress - as a reward for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small children, offering a wonderful night's sleep over any type of ground including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, without tiny parts that could get lost, and feels safe enough to be held by a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for twins who are just born or siblings who need to sleep close together. It comes with the same security features as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit your child's growing needs. It comes with multiple support areas so you can customize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time, as it can hold up to 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families who need to share space.
This cot has a great feature that parents are sure to love. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and then a junior bed. This gives it longevity and means that you won't have to purchase a second bed. This is crucial for families on tight budgets and can save you money in the long run as your child develops into an adult.
Most health experts recommend cot beds since they offer the highest level of safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately 2 years old. They will then need to be converted into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are still in the in a supine position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby can roll over. This is an essential feature as children can suffocate if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not the most transportable, since it requires considerable effort to fold and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, then take a look at this luxurious wooden cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds the look, comfort and function in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery and will blend with a variety of different styles for kids' bedrooms once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your infant to ensure they get the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds, with the base being able to be raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your baby. It also makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely. This allows you to use it as a bassinet to make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life easier for parents, such as a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot that is perfect to store items or keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails at the top of the cot for protection infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It is not only beautiful with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also extremely practical, with three different height settings for the mattress.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the right cot or cradle for your baby. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the options available and discuss the options with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it comes with an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to ensure that it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough room to move around and that it's not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once and include bedding sets that make it easier to get your children to bed. A lot of them come with a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model with a bunk bed that can be converted into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet your baby's height. This is a great solution to consider if you're worried that your child could be prone to falling down at night. It's also a great option when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, however there are models that make use of polyurethane foam too.
It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they can entrap clothing or limbs.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Check if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any removable parts. You'll also want to check whether your standard cot bedding fits or if you'll need to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of diapers can quickly add up! Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage. It can help you organize everything and easily accessible.