How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's bed until she is four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy, sturdy and safe.
Make sure it is a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be the risk of suffocation for infants. Also look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg and is priced almost one quarter less than the Helinox version I tested. 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. Then they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to put your feet in them to set up the sleep surface.
It's not 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. It's not a major issue and I'm convinced that it's the most lightweight cot I've ever tried.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. If you opt for this option, you'll need to purchase a separate bed for your child once they reach a few years.
Some children are content to remain in a cot for more than this, but most want to move on 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 option for infants and smaller kids, providing a great night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, without small pieces that could be lost, and it's solid enough to be able to be held by a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It offers the same safety features as a single cot including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can choose the ideal size to meet your child's specific needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at a time and can hold up to 325 lbs. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families who require space sharing.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a junior bed. This will give it longevity and means that you won't need to purchase a new bed. This is essential for parents who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the future as your child develops into an adult.
Most health experts recommend cot beds because they provide the greatest safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child reaches two years old. They then need to be converted into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll over. This is a crucial aspect as babies can choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires considerable effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when trying to get the legs in a proper position. It's also the biggest cot in our list, and can be heavy to carry when you have to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, take a look at this deluxe wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks stunning in any nursery and will blend with various styles for bedrooms for children after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for babies and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. The base can be raised to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are typically lower than beds. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. It also allows you to feed your baby at night. Some cots allow you to remove one of the sides completely which could allow you to use it as a bassinet, and make it a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that simplify life 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 on the top of the cot to protect teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also super practical with three height settings for the mattress, and it being able to convert 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 best cradle or cot for your baby. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the various options available and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.
When you are buying a cot, there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. This includes the cot's depth and sides, its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood, and if it includes bedding. Double check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to ensure it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there is good cribs to move around and that it is not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets you'll require a quadruple cot. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at once, and they include bedding sets that make it simple to get your child ready for bed. They also come with the option of a side rail which can be removed which allows you to put your child close to you while they rest. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model that has a bunk bed that can be transformed into a single.
Many cots feature an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your newborn might slip down in the night, and it's also beneficial for when your child starts to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However there are models made from polyurethane.
Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the bars' length too and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they could trap clothing or limbs.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Check if it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. You should also determine whether your standard bedding for your cot fits, or if you need to purchase some special travel cot sheet.
Babies need a lot of paraphernalia such as nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It can help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.