How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their bed until they are around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, as gaps can pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for cots offers that can be converted into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on market. It weighs only 2.68kg, and costs almost a quarter less than the Helinox version that 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 keep them in position. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet in them to set up the sleeping surface.
It's not easy to dismantle. You need to be strong enough to take the legs off, and then it is a bit of work to take apart the frame. It's a minor issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight cot I've ever tried.
If you're looking for something stronger and durable, take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market. They're usually suitable from birth until around 2 years, so you'll need to purchase one 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, however 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 over any type of ground including hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, without tiny parts that could get lost, and it feels solid enough to be able to be held by a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas, so you can choose the right fit for your child's unique needs. In addition, this is the only cot we've test that can accommodate multiple infants at once as it can hold two babies up to 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one baby.
A great feature that many parents love about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and later into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't need to purchase another new bed. This is crucial for families on tight budgets and can save you money in the future as your child grows into a young adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option for a lot of health experts 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 reaches 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot 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 can choke if their heads are trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold it and can be quite finicky when trying to position the legs in a proper position. It is also the largest cot in our list, and can be heavy to carry if you have to transport it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, look no further than this luxurious wooden cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture will enhance style, comfort and function in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery and can be incorporated into various styles for bedrooms for children once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your newborn and ensure that they get the sleep they require. They are typically lower than beds, with the base being able to be raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. This makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots allow the option of taking one side off completely and allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life easier for parents. They include an under-bed drawer that is perfect to store things in, rails that safeguard babies who are teething, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is crucial for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your newborn. If you are struggling to determine what kind of cot or crib is ideal for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a certified group instructor and other new parents?
There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, especially if it has a drop side for petite babies or with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to make sure it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough space for your baby to move about and that it's not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins you'll require a quadruple cot. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets that help you get your children to bed. Some have a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a model that has a bunk bed that can be converted into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit the size of your baby. This is a great idea if you are worried that your baby might fall asleep in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child is beginning to stand up. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but there are some that use polyurethane foam too.
It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars' length too, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from climbing out. Also, avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could restrict limbs and clothing.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure the fabric can be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also want to check whether your standard bedding for your cot fits, or if you need to purchase a special travel cot sheets.
Nappy costs can quickly increase! bedding, clothing and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage. It can help you organize everything and easily accessible.