How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their bed until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Check that the mattress is free of any gaps, as they could pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also consider a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and is priced almost a quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set up. The two poles are able to snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cord to help keep them in place and slide into sleeves that fit on their legs and you just have to place your feet inside them to set up the sleeping surface.
It can be difficult to take apart. You need to be strong to pull the legs out and then it's an effort to take apart the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's the most lightweight cot I've tested.
If you want something a little more robust and durable, take an examination of the various models 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 in some time.
top rated cots may stay 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 brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, providing a great night's rest on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to break, and is sturdy enough to hold the child's weight without worrying about wobbly parts.
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 an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, so you can choose the ideal size to meet your child's specific requirements. This is the only cot we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time and can hold up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families who will need to share space.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents appreciate. It can be converted to a toddler's bed and then it can be converted into a junior bed. This gives it longevity and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is a great option for parents who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of safety for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is approximately two years old. They then need to be converted into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is an essential feature because children could choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
This cot's only downside is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be difficult to get the legs into place. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you need to move it from the storage area.
This luxury wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that has all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture can be elevated in design, comfort and function in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and will blend well with different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows 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. The base can be raised to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are typically lower than beds. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. This also makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots have the option of removing a side completely which allows you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can make life a little easier for parents, such as a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect to store items or keep the essentials at hand, anti-bite rails at the top of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also super practical with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies therefore it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your newborn. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the available options and discuss the options with other parents and a qualified group leader.
There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot, whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to make sure it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there's enough space to move around and that it is not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or even more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once They include bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready to go to bed. Many also feature the option of a side rail that can be removed, so you can place your child close to you while they sleep. If you have children You may want to look for a model with a bunk that can be turned into an individual bed.
Many cots feature an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great option if you are worried that your baby might fall down at night. It's also a great idea for when your child is beginning to stand up. Many cot mattresses are constructed of natural materials such as cotton or wool, but there are some that use polyurethane foam, too.
It is a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides, which 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. You should also be wary of cots that have solid foot and head boards, as these can trap limbs or clothing.
Another thing 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 and any parts that are removable. You'll also need to consider whether your bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need purchase specialized sheets for travel cots.
Babies need a lot of accessories including nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage. It will help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.