How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's sleeping place until he or is four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfy solid and secure.
Check it has a gap-free mattress, as gaps can pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also look for a cot that is able to convert into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options available on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set-up. The two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to hold them in position. They then slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to put your feet into them to set up the sleep surface.
It isn't easy to disassemble. It is necessary to be strong enough to pull the legs out, and then it is an effort to dismantle the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tried.
Look at the range of cot beds available on the market if looking for something that is more robust and long-lasting. They're usually suitable from birth until around 2 years old, which means you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot for more than this, however most are keen to move on to their first single bed - that can be presented as a "prize' for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller children, offering a wonderful night's sleep over any type of ground even hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and doesn't have any small pieces to break, and is solid enough to support children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who need to sleep close together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails as well as an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It has multiple support areas so you can customize it to your child's needs. In addition, this is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two babies up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will need to share 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 it can be converted into a junior bed. This gives it a longer lifespan and means that you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is essential for parents on tight budgets and can save you money over the long term as your child develops into a young adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option for a lot of health experts as they offer the best safety for your baby. The crib is intended to be used until your child reaches the age of 2 years. After that, it will need to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature as children may choke if their heads become stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not very mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold, and can be quite finicky when you try to put the legs. It is also the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry if you need to move it from its storage location.
This premium wooden cot is the ideal option if you're searching for a cot that comes with all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture will elevate design, comfort and function in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and can blend well with a range of different styles of bedrooms for kids when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for newborns and provide an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds and the base is capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. 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 taking one side off completely which allows you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify life for parents, like an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage or to keep the essentials at hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot for protection teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is among our top choices. It's not just elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.
It is crucial that your baby has a restful night's sleep. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the ideal cradle or cot for them. If you are trying to figure out what kind of cot or crib is the best option for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a qualified group instructor and other new parents?
When buying a cot there are many things to consider. These include the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth and storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if the cot comes with bedding. It is also worth making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery or bedroom, with plenty of space to move around and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets to 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 as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may think about a product with bunk beds that can be transformed into one.
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 to consider if you're worried that your child might fall down at night. It's also a great option when your child starts to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However there are models made with polyurethane.
It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be more than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards as they could trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another important consideration 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 parts that are removable. Also, you'll need to think about whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to purchase special travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of accessories including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) Bedding, clothing and toys. explanation that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything organized and easily accessible.