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 and safe.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps, as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. Also, look for a cot that is able to convert to an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly one quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set up - the two main poles snap together, like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to hold them in position. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You simply need to put your feet in them to set up the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it's a little tricky to dismantle and you'll need to be able to pull out the legs and it requires some effort to dismantle the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
If you want something more sturdy and durable, take an examination of the various models of cot beds that are available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth until around 2 years old, so you'll need a single bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot longer than this, but most want to move on to their first single bed - which can be presented as a 'prize' for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, providing a great night's sleep over any type of ground even hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to lose, and feels sturdy enough to hold 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 offers the same safety features as a single cot including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, which means you can find the ideal size for your child's requirements. This is the only cot that we tested that can accommodate two infants at one time and can hold up to 325 lb. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that require space with more than one child.
This cot has a great feature that parents love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed and later a junior bed. This gives it a longer lifespan and means you don't need to purchase a new bed. This is important for those who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the long run as your child develops into an adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of safety for your child. The crib is designed to be used up until your child is two years old. After this, it will have to be changed to a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are still in the supine position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby can roll over. This is a crucial feature, as children can choke if their heads get trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
cot sets with this cot is that it can be difficult to fold and can be a challenge to get the legs in position. It's also the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry if you have to move it from its storage location.
This luxury wood cot is a great choice if you are looking for a cot that has all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and can blend well with a range of different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer a safe and secure sleeping environment for your infant to ensure they get the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds, with the base being capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have drop sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn and makes it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots even allow you to remove one of the sides completely, which allows you to use it as a bassinet, and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can simplify life for parents, such as a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping your essentials close to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also extremely practical, with three levels of height 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 sleep. Therefore, it's worth your time to find the right cot or cradle for your child. If you're struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is best for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a certified group leader and other new parents?
There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has a drop side for petite babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that the crib or cot your baby is using can fit in your bedroom or nursery with enough space for movement, and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets then you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once They come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready to go to bed. Many also feature a side rail that can be removed, so you can place your child near you while they rest. If you have children you might want to look for models with a bunk bed that can be transformed into a single bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried your baby could slip during the night, and also useful for when your child starts to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials like wool or cotton. However you can also find models made from polyurethane.
It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your child from escaping. Also, be wary of cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could hold limbs or clothing.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll need purchase specialized sheets for travel cots.
The cost of diapers can quickly increase! Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage space. It will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.