How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their sleep space until they reach around four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure that it has gaps-free mattresses, since gaps could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Also look for a cot that converts into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the cost of the Helinox version 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 position. Then they slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet in them to set up the sleep surface.
The only negative is that it can be difficult to remove and you'll need to be extremely strong to lift the legs, and then it requires some effort to dismantle the frame itself. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and long-lasting, take an interest in the variety of cot beds available on the market. If you choose this option, you'll have to buy a separate bed for your child after a few years.
Some children prefer to remain in a cot for longer than this, however most are keen to get their first single bed - which can be presented as a "prize' for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, providing a great night's sleep over any type of ground including hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small parts that can be lost, and feels safe enough to keep a toddler in place without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails and an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, so you can personalize it to your child's specific needs. Moreover, this is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously and can accommodate two babies up to 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families that need to share space.
One feature that many parents love about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed and then into an adult bed, giving it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't need to purchase another new bed. This is essential for parents on tight budgets and can save you money over the long term as your child grows into a young adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health experts since they provide the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is around 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are in the sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital feature as children may choke if their heads become trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be difficult to put the legs in position. Additionally, it's the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from its storage location.
This deluxe wooden cot is the ideal option if you're looking for a cot with all the features. This stunning piece of furniture can be elevated in the look, comfort and functionality in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends well with a range of different styles of bedrooms for kids once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for infants and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet your baby's development stage. They are generally lower than beds. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your newborn. It also makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely and allowing you to use it as a bassinet. good cribs is a safer option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life easier for parents, like an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot, which is great to store items or keep your essential items close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top of the cot to protect teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It is not only beautiful with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also very practical, with three different height settings for the mattress.
A good night's sleep is vital for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your infant. Take part 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.
When you are buying a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. great crib includes the sides and depth of the cot, its storage capacity, if it has a removable hood and if the cot includes bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery/bedroom with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require 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 They include bedding sets that make it simple to get your child ready to go to bed. Some have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may consider models with a bunk that can be transformed into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit the size of your baby. This is a great idea to consider if you're worried that your child could fall down at night. It's an excellent idea when your child starts to stand up. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made from polyurethane.
It is a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the length of the bars too, as these should not be more than 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from climbing out. You should also avoid cots that have feet and head boards that are solid as they could restrict limbs and clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot should also be considered. Find out if the fabric is able to be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also want to check whether your bedding for your cot fits, or if you'll need to purchase a special travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of toys including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.