How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. So you want it to be comfy solid and secure.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a cot that converts to an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set up - the two poles are able to connect like unusually bulky tent poles complete with shock cord to keep them in order, then they slide easily into sleeves attached to their legs. All you have to do is to place your feet inside them to make the sleeping area.
The only drawback is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be able to lift the legs, and then it can take some effort to remove the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've tried.
Look at the range of cot beds available on the market if looking for something more durable and permanent. They're generally suitable from birth until around 2 years, so you'll need a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children will remain in the cot for longer, however, the majority of children will want to move up to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It is simple to put together, has no small parts to get lost, and is solid enough to support the child's weight without worrying about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who need to sleep together. It has the same security 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, which means you can dial in the perfect fit for your child's requirements. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time, as it can hold up to 325 lb. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one baby.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents are sure to love. It can be converted to a toddler's bed and then it can be converted into a junior bed. This provides it with an extended life span and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is great for those who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds since they offer the highest level of protection for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child reaches 2 years old and will eventually need to be transformed into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll over. This is an important feature as children may choke if their heads are trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires considerable effort to fold, and can be quite finicky when trying to position the legs. It's also the biggest cot we've reviewed, and can be heavy to carry when you need to move it from the storage location.
This luxury wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot with all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture will enhance the look, comfort and functionality in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery and can be incorporated into various styles for kids' bedrooms once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for babies 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 the developmental stage of your baby. 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 the evening. Some cots have the option of taking one side off completely, allowing you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
sale cot have extra features that simplify the lives of parents. There is an under-bed drawer which is ideal to store things in, rails that protect teething babies, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used 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 extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It's important that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth your time to find the best cradle or cot for your child. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the options available and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.
When you are buying a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. This includes the cot's depth and sides, its storage capacity, whether the cot comes with a hood that can be removed, and if it has bedding. It is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of room for movement and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets you'll require a quadruple cot. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at a time They come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your baby ready for bed. Many have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close as they sleep. If you have children, you may prefer models with a bunk that can be transformed into a single bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet the size of your baby. This is a great option if you're worried that your baby may slip during the night, and it's also useful for when your child starts to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However you can also find models made with polyurethane.
Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars too as they should not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your child from escaping. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards, as they could trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another thing to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. Also, you'll need to think about whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of toys including nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything organized and easily accessible.