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 the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set-up. The two main poles snap together like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to hold them in place. Then, they slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is place your feet on them to create the sleep surface.
The only drawback is that it's a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be able to pull out the legs and then it requires some effort to remove the frame. It's a minor issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's stronger and durable, take an examination of the various models of cot beds on the market. If you choose this option, you'll need to buy a separate bed for your child in several years.
Some children are content to remain in a cot for more than this, but the majority of them are eager to get their first single bed which can be presented as a "prize for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller kids, allowing a good night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it feels safe enough to be held by a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for newborn twins or siblings who will need to sleep together. It has the same safety features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It also has numerous support areas, so you can choose the perfect fit for your child's unique requirements. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at a time because it can support up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one baby.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed and then it can be converted into a junior bed. This provides it with a longer lifespan and means that you don't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds and will save money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts as they offer the highest level of security for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used up until your child reaches the age of 2 years. After that, it needs to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler 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 most extreme setting is recommended if your baby can roll over. This is a crucial feature because children could choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it can be difficult to fold and can be a challenge to get the legs in position. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it away from the storage area.
This premium wood cot is the perfect option if you're looking for a cot that comes with all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances the look, comfort and function in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery and will blend with various styles for kids' bedrooms once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for infants and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. The base can be raised to meet the developmental stage of your baby. They are typically lower than beds. Some cots come with an opening that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby and makes it easier to take nighttime feeds. Some cots allow the option of taking one side off completely, allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life easier for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot that is perfect for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot for protection teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also super practical with three different heights for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is vital for all babies, so it's worth spending the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your newborn. If you are struggling to determine what kind of cot or crib is the best option for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group leader and other new parents?
When purchasing a cot, there are many things to take into account. These include the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth and storage capacity, whether the cot comes with a hood that can be removed, and if it includes bedding. It is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery/bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets you'll require a quadruple cot. Baby Cot can hold four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets that help you get your kids to bed. A lot of them have a removable side rail to keep your baby close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model with bunk beds which can be made into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great option to consider if you're worried that your baby might fall asleep at night. It's also a great idea for when your child is beginning to stand up. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but you can find models that use polyurethane foam too.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Check the bars' length too and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from escaping. Also, avoid cots with solid head and foot boards as they could restrict limbs and clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot must be considered. Make sure the fabric can be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your existing cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to purchase special sheets for travel cots.
Babies require lots of paraphernalia such as nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage space. It can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.