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 sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps because they can pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two main poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles complete with shock cords to keep them arranged and then slide into sleeves that fit on their legs. All you have to do is to put your feet on them to make the sleeping area.
It can be difficult to take apart. You must be strong enough to pull the legs out, and then it is an effort to dismantle the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've ever tested.
Look at the range of cot beds available that is available if you're looking for something that is more robust and long-lasting. If you opt for this option, you'll have to buy a new bed for your child after some time.
Some children will stay in the cot for longer, however, the majority of children 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, allowing a good night's sleep over any type of ground even hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and feels safe enough to keep a toddler in place with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who want to share a bed. It offers the same safety features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. best cot beds comes with multiple support areas, so you can tailor it to meet your child's requirements. This is the only cot that we tested that can accommodate two infants at once and can hold up to 325 lb. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families that need to share space.
One feature that many parents adore about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and later into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds, and will save you money as your child grows.
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. They will eventually need to be transformed into the toddler bed 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 in a supine position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby can 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 to this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires a large amount of effort to fold it and can be a bit finicky when trying to position the legs in a proper position. It's also the biggest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry when you have to transport it from its storage location.
This premium wood cot is a great option if you're looking for a cot that has all the features. This stunning piece of furniture will elevate style, comfort and function in your living room. It looks stunning in any nursery and will complement various styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for infants and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. They are usually smaller than beds, with the base being able to be raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your baby and makes it easier for night time feeds. Some cots also offer the option of removing one of the sides completely which can allow you to use it as a bassinet to provide a safer option to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that can make life easier for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot which is ideal for storage or keeping your essential items close at hand, anti-bite rails that are placed on top of the cot to safeguard teething babies, and a removable 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 It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is vital for all babies and it's worth the time to find the perfect cot or crib for your baby. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss the options with other parents and a qualified group leader.
When you are buying a cot, there are a variety of factors to consider. This includes the cot's depth and sides as well as its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood and if the cot comes with bedding. It is also worth checking dimensions to ensure the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery or bedroom with plenty of room for movement and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one cot if you are 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 easy to get your little ones ready to go to bed. A lot of them come with a removable side rail to keep your child close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model with bunk beds which can be made into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet the size of your baby. This is a great idea for parents who are concerned that your child could be prone to falling down at night. It's also a great option when your child starts to stand up. Many cot mattresses are made from natural materials like wool or cotton, but there are models that make use of polyurethane foam too.
It's a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They should not be more than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards as they can trap clothing or legs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. Also, you'll need to think about whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll have to purchase special sheets for travel cots.
Nappy costs can quickly increase! Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It can help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.