How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until she is four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Check it has gaps-free mattresses, since gaps could pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also consider an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up. The two poles are able to snap together like unusually large tent poles complete with shock cords to help keep them in place, then they slide easily into sleeves on their connected legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to set up the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it's difficult to take apart - you need to be really strong to lift the legs and then it takes some effort to dismantle the frame itself. But that's a minor complaint and it's the most lightweight cot I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something more sturdy and durable, take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth until around 2 years old, which means you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children will stay in the cot longer but the majority will want to move up 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 sleep on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and doesn't have any small pieces to break, and is sturdy enough to hold the child's weight without worrying about unstable parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas so you can tailor it to your child's needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot that we tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies up to 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one baby.
One of the things that parents love about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed and then into the junior bed, which gives it an extended lifespan and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is a great option for parents with limited budgets and will save money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds because they provide the greatest security for your child. The crib is intended to be used until your child reaches the age of two years old. After that, it needs to be converted to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies that are in a sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby can roll over. This is a crucial feature, as children can choke if their heads get trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold it and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs. It's also the biggest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry when you have to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, take a look at this deluxe wood cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture will elevate style, comfort and function in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery, and will blend with many different styles for bedrooms for children when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for newborns and provide an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are usually lower than beds. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to co-sleep safely with your newborn. It also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots also 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 co-sleeping in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage, rails to protect teething babies and a riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is among our top choices. It's not just stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies and it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your baby. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss the options with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are many aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that the crib or cot your baby is using can fit in your bedroom or nursery with enough space for movement, and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots can accommodate four babies at once and include bedding sets to aid in getting your children ready for bed. They also come with an end rail which can be removed so you can place your baby near you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may prefer a model with a bunk that can be turned into a single bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great solution for parents who are concerned that your child could fall asleep at night. It's an excellent idea when your child begins to stand up. A lot of cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but there are models that use polyurethane foam, too.
It's a good idea choose a cot with mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check best rated cribs of the bars as well as they should not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards since they can trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot should be taken into consideration. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for any removable parts. 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.
The cost of diapers can quickly go up! bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.