How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps as these can be a suffocation hazard for babies. Also, look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set up. The two main poles snap together like unusually large tent poles complete with shock cords to keep them in order and slide into sleeves that fit on their legs. All you have to do is to put your feet on them to set up the sleeping area.
The only downside is that it's difficult to remove and you'll need to be able to pull out the legs, and then it takes some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's only a minor complaint and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
Check out the range of cot beds available on the market if you're looking for something more durable and permanent. If you decide to go with this option, you'll have to buy a separate bed for your child in several years.
Some children will stay in the cot for longer, but most will want to move up to their first single mattress - as a reward for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and doesn't have any small pieces to get lost, and is solid enough to support children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is 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 base that can be adjusted to suit your child's changing needs. It also has multiple support areas, which means you can find the perfect fit for your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at once and can hold up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one baby.
One of the things that parents appreciate about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed, and then into a junior bed, giving it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't need to purchase another new bed. This is crucial for families with tight budgets and could save you money in the future as your child grows into an adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds because they offer the highest level of protection for your child. The crib is designed to be used up until your child reaches the age of two years old. After this, it will have to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler bed.
cots 4 tots is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies that are in a supine position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll over. This is an essential aspect as babies can choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be a challenge to get the legs in the right position. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around if you have to move it away from the storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, take a look at this luxury wooden cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances style, comfort and functionality in your living space. It looks beautiful in any nursery, and will blend with many different designs for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for babies and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds and have a base that is adjustable depending on your baby's developmental stage. Many cots have an opening that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots have the option of removing a side completely and allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a more secure option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that can make life a little easier for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot which is ideal for storage or to keep the essentials to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to safeguard teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline to help 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 extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the best cradle or cot for your baby. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss these with other parents as well as a qualified group leader.
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, especially if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it comes with an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib can fit in your bedroom or nursery, with plenty of space to move around and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at a time, and they come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready to go to bed. Many have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you while they sleep. If you have kids of your own You may consider one with a bunk bed that can be turned into an individual bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This is a great solution to consider if you're worried that your child could fall down at night. It's also a great option when your child is beginning to stand. Many cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as cotton or wool, but there are some that make use of polyurethane foam too.
It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars as well as they should not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards as they can entrap 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. You'll also have to consider whether your existing bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll need to purchase special travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of toys such as nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything organized and easily accessible.