How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will serve as the baby's bed until is four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure that it has gaps-free mattresses since gaps could pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options available on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to keep them in position. They then slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to place your feet on them to make the sleep surface.
It can be difficult to take apart. It is necessary to be strong to remove the legs, and then it is an effort to take apart the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the most lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
Take a look at the cot bed options available that is available if you're looking for something that is more durable and long-lasting. If you opt for this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child after a few years.
Some children will remain in the cot longer, however, the majority of children 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 on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small parts that can be 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 want to sleep close together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot. It has side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to suit your child's changing needs. good cribs has numerous support areas so that you can personalize it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at one time because it can support up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families that will need to share space.
This cot has a great feature that parents are sure to love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and then a junior bed. This gives it a longer lifespan and means you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is great for those who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the preferred sleep option for the majority of health experts as they offer the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is around 2 years old. They will then need to be converted into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital feature as children may choke if their heads become stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not particularly portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold and can be a bit finicky when trying to get the legs into place. Additionally, it's the largest cot on our list and may be a burden to carry around in the event that you need to move it from the storage area.
This deluxe wooden cot is the ideal option if you're looking for a cot with all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends well with different styles of bedrooms for kids when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds and have a base that is adjustable to suit your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your baby. It also allows you to feed your baby at night. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely which could allow you to use it as a bassinet and make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can make life a little easier for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails on the 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 reflux babies. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also super practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's sleep. So, it is worth your time to find the ideal cradle or cot for them. If you're struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is the best option for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a trained group leader and other parents who are new?
When you are buying a cot, there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. These include the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth, its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood, and if the cot comes with bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery, with plenty of 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 large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets that help you get your children ready for bed. Some also have the option of a side rail that can be removed to allow you to place your child close to you while they sleep. If you have other children You may prefer one with a bunk bed that can be converted into an individual bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be moved up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your newborn might slip down in the night, and it's also beneficial when your child starts to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made of polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. It is also recommended to avoid cots with solid head and foot boards, as these can restrict limbs and clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be considered. Find out if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. Also, you should determine whether your bedding for your cot fits, or if you have to purchase a specific travel cot sheets.
The cost of a diaper can quickly add up! Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.