How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed, and will be their bed until they reach the age of four years old. So you want it to be comfortable sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose a suffocation hazard for babies. Also, look for a cot that is able to convert into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two main poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles, with shock cord to keep them in order and slide into sleeves on their connected legs and you just have to place your feet inside them to make the sleeping area.
The only negative is that it can be difficult to take apart - you need to be able to pull out the legs and it takes some effort to take apart the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I'm convinced that it's the most lightweight cot I've ever tried.
Check out the range of cot beds available that is available if you're seeking something more durable and permanent. They're typically suitable from birth to around 2 years, so you'll need to purchase a single bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children prefer to remain in a cot for more than this, however most are keen to move on to their first single bed - that can be presented as a "prize' for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller children, offering a wonderful night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to get lost, and is solid enough to support the child's weight without worrying about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. It has side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to fit your child's growing needs. It also has multiple support areas so you can personalize it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at a time, as it can hold up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who require space with more than one baby.
One feature that many parents love about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and then onto the junior bed, which gives it a longer life span and ensuring that you don't have to buy a new bed. This is great for those who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.
best rated cribs of health professionals recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of protection for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately two years old. They eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital feature because children could choke if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not the most mobile, as it takes an enormous amount of effort to fold and can be quite fussy when trying to position the legs in a proper position. It's also the biggest cot on our list and can be quite heavy to carry when you need to move it from its storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, then you should look no further than this luxurious wood cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture will elevate style, comfort and function in your living space. It looks stunning in any nursery, and can be incorporated into many different styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are typically lower than beds. A lot of cots have a drop-side that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. This also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots also offer the option of removing one of the sides completely which can allow you to use it as a bassinet and make it a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a drawer under the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to safeguard babies who are teething, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable to help 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 height settings for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is vital for all babies, so it's worth spending the time finding the right cot or crib for your baby. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the options available and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying 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, whether it has a removable hood and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery, with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets to aid in getting your child up and ready for bed. They also come with an end rail that can be removed, to allow you to place your baby near you while they rest. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model that has bunk beds which can be made into one.
Many cots feature an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried your baby may slip at night, and it's also beneficial for the time when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed from natural materials like wool or cotton, but there are models made of polyurethane foam, too.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. 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 needs to also be considered. Find out if the fabric is able to be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your standard bedding for a cot will work or if you'll have to buy some special sheets for travel cots.
The cost of a diaper can quickly increase! bedding clothing, toys and more. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It will help you organize everything and easily accessible.