How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until he or she is four years old. So you want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure it is gaps-free mattresses, because gaps can be an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for a cot that converts to an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set up - the two poles are able to connect like unusually bulky tent poles, with shock cords to keep them arranged and then slide into sleeves attached to their legs. All you have to do is to put your feet on them to set up the sleeping area.
It isn't easy to disassemble. best cots must be strong to pull the legs out, and then it is quite a task to take apart the frame. It's not a major issue and I'm convinced that it's the most lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and durable, take an examination of the various models of cot beds available on the market. If recommended cribs choose this option, you'll need to buy a separate bed for your child after a few years.
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 sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, allowing a good night's sleep on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to break, and is solid enough to support children without worry about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for newborn twins or siblings who will need to sleep together. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to fit your child's growing needs. It has numerous support areas so that you can tailor it to your child's needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot we tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two babies up to 325 pounds. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one baby.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and then to a junior bed. This will give it longevity and means you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is essential for parents with tight budgets and could save you money in the long run as your child grows into a young adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option of most health professionals since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. The crib is designed to be used up until your child reaches the age of two years old. After that, it needs to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are still in a supine position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital feature as children may choke if their heads are trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold it and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs into place. It's also the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it from the storage area.
This luxury wooden cot is the ideal choice if you are looking for a cot that has all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery, and will blend with many different designs for kids' bedrooms once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for newborns and provide a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are generally lower than beds. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep safely with your newborn. This makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots even offer the option of removing one of the sides completely which allows you to use it as a bassinet to create a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that help parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect to store things in, rails that safeguard babies who are teething and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different heights for the mattress.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies, so it's worth spending the time finding the right crib or cot for your baby. If you are struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a qualified group leader and other new parents?
When buying a cot there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. These include the sides and depth of the cot, its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if the cot comes with bedding. It is also worth double checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's cot or crib can fit in your bedroom or nursery with enough space for movement, and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets you'll require a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once and include bedding sets that aid in getting your child up and ready for bed. They also come with an end rail which can be removed which allows you to put your child close to you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model that has a bunk bed that can be converted into a single.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit the size of your baby. This is a great solution for parents who are concerned that your child could be prone to falling down in the night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand up. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made from polyurethane.
It's a good idea pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars as well and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from escaping. It is also recommended to avoid cots with feet and head boards that are solid, as these can restrict limbs and clothing.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Check if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. You'll also want to check whether your bedding for a cot is suitable or if you'll need to purchase some special travel cot sheet.
Babies require lots of accessories including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.