How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will serve as their bed until they reach around four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that it has gaps-free mattresses as gaps can pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also, look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs only 2.68kg, and costs almost a quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set-up. The two main poles snap together as do tent poles of unusually high quality 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 make the sleeping surface.
It can be difficult to dismantle. You must be strong to take the legs off, and then it is an effort to dismantle the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's the most lightweight cot I've tested.
If you're looking for something a little more robust and durable, take an examination of the various models of cot beds available on the market. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years old, so you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children prefer to stay in a cot for longer than this, though most want to get their first single bed - which could be presented as a "prize' for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small children, offering a wonderful night's sleep on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together and has no small pieces to break, and is sturdy enough to hold children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It comes with the same security features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to meet your child's growing needs. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can choose the right fit for your child's unique requirements. In addition, this is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one baby.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents are sure to love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and then to a junior bed. This provides it with an extended life span and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is important for those who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the future as your baby grows into a young adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health professionals since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is around 2 years old. They will eventually need to be transformed into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is an essential aspect as babies can choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not particularly mobile, as it takes an enormous amount of effort to fold and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs into place. It's also the biggest cot we've reviewed and can be quite heavy to carry if you have to move it from its storage location.
This premium wood cot is the perfect option if you're searching for a cot that comes with all the features. This gorgeous piece of furniture can be elevated in style, comfort and function in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery and can be incorporated into a variety of different designs for kids' bedrooms after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are typically lower than beds. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby. This also makes it easier to feed at the night. Some cots allow the option of taking one side off completely and allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life easier for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect for storage or to keep your essentials close to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on 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 to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also very practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies, so it's worth spending the time to find the perfect cot or crib for your infant. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the various options available and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
There are many things to consider when buying a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with drop sides for small babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. Double check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to make sure it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there's enough space for your baby to move about and that it is not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets to aid in getting your kids ready for bed. Some have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you while they sleep. If you have children you might consider a model with a bunk bed that can be converted into one bed.
top rated cots have an adjustable mattress that can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great option if you are worried that your baby might fall down in the night. It's also a great option when your child starts to stand. cribs beds are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made with polyurethane.
It is a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to stop 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 as well as any removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need to buy some special sheets for travel cots.
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 organize everything neatly and easily accessible.