How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will be their bed until they reach around four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfortable sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Make sure the mattress is free of any gaps, because they can pose a suffocation hazard for babies. Also, look for a cot that can be converted into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot 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 are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet into them to create the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to take apart - you need to be able to lift the legs and then it can take some effort to take apart the frame. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the lightest cot I've ever tried.
Check out the cot bed range that is available if you're looking for something that is more durable and long-lasting. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years, so you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children will remain in the cot longer however, the majority of children will want to move to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, providing a great night's rest on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble, has no small parts to lose, and feels solid enough to support children without worry about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, which means you can dial in the ideal size for your child's unique requirements. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at a time because it can support up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one baby.
A great feature that many parents love about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and later into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is important for those with tight budgets and could 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 as they offer the most safety for your baby. The bed is designed to be used up until your child reaches 2 years. After top ranked cribs , it will have to be converted to a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are in a supine position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll over. This is a crucial feature as children may choke if their heads get stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly portable, as it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold it and can be a bit finicky when trying to get the legs into place. Also, it is the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it away from the place where it is stored.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, take a look at this luxurious wood cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture will enhance design, comfort and function in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery, and can be incorporated into many different styles for bedrooms for children after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. They are usually smaller than beds and the base is capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots have an opening that allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots allow you to remove one of the sides completely which can allow you to use it as a bassinet to create a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that can simplify life for parents, such as a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping your essentials close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top of the cot to safeguard teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is among our top choices. It is not only stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different heights for the mattress.
Having good quality sleep is crucial for all babies and it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your infant. If you are struggling to determine what kind of cot or crib is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a trained group instructor and other new parents?
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when purchasing 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 a removable hood and if it has bedding. Check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to ensure it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there's enough space to move around and that it is not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting triplets or twins you'll require a quadruple cot. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at once, and they include bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready to go to bed. A lot of them come with a removable side rail to keep your baby close to you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a model that has a bunk bed that can be converted into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit your baby's size. This is a great option if you're worried that your baby may slip at night, and it's also useful for when your child is beginning to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made from polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars' length too as they should not be more than 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards since they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another important consideration is how easy it is to clean. Find out if the fabric is able to be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to purchase specialized sheets for travel cots.
Babies require lots of accessories including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot with storage space, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to organize everything neatly and easily accessible.