How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's sleeping place until he or is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that it has gaps-free mattresses because gaps can be the risk of suffocation for infants. Also, look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set-up - the two main poles snap together, like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in place. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. cot sets have to do is put your feet in them to set up the sleep surface.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to remove and you'll need to be really strong to remove the legs, and then it takes some effort to take apart the frame itself. But that's a minor complaint and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've ever tested.
Look at the cot bed options available on the market if looking for something that is more durable and long-lasting. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years, so you'll need one bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children will stay in the cot for longer, but the majority will want to move to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small pieces that could be lost, and feels solid enough to be able to be held by a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who want to sleep together. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, so you can customize it to your child's specific needs. Moreover, this is the only cot we've tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants at once as it can hold two babies as big as 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families who require space sharing.
One of the things that parents love about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and then into a junior bed, giving it a longer lifespan and meaning that you won't have to buy another bed. This is important for those who are on a tight budget and will save you money over the long term as your child grows into a young adult.
Most health experts recommend cot beds since they provide the most safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in a sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll over. This is an essential aspect as babies can choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not particularly mobile, as it takes an enormous amount of effort to fold and can be quite finicky when trying to position the legs into place. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you need to move it away from the place where it is stored.
This luxury wood cot is the perfect choice if you are looking for a cot that comes with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances the look, comfort and function in your living space. It looks stunning in any nursery, and will complement many different designs for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet the baby's developmental stage. They are typically lower than beds. Many cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep safely with your baby. It also makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots allow you to remove one of the sides completely. This could allow you to use it as a bassinet and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage, rails that safeguard babies who are teething, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It's not just elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
Having good quality sleep is vital for all babies therefore it's worth the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your baby. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
There are many things to consider when buying the cot you want, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, especially if it has a drop side for petite babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has a removable hood and if it has bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to ensure that it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough space to move around and that it's not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots can hold four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets that aid in getting your child up and ready for bed. Some also have a side rail that can be removed, which allows you to put your baby near you while they sleep. If you have children, you may consider a model with a bunk bed that can be converted into an individual bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried your baby may slip in the night, and it's also beneficial for the time when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, however there are some that use polyurethane foam, too.
Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars as well, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from escaping. You should also avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards because they can trap limbs or clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot should also be considered. Make sure it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll need purchase special sheets for travel cots.
The cost of a diaper can quickly go up! Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot with storage space, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.