How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until he or attains the age of four. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. Also, look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up - the two primary poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles with shock cord to keep them in order, then they slide easily into sleeves that fit on their legs. All you have to do is to place your feet inside them to set up the sleeping area.
The only drawback is that it's a little tricky to dismantle and you'll need to be extremely strong to lift the legs, and then it requires some effort to remove the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I'm convinced that it's the most lightweight frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and durable, take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market. If you choose this option, you'll need to buy a separate bed for your child after a few years.
Some children are happy to stay in a cot for more than this, but most want to get their first single bed - that can be presented as a "prize' for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it feels secure enough to be held by a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins who are just born or siblings who want to sleep together. It offers the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, so you can find the right fit to meet your child's specific requirements. Furthermore, it's the only cot we've test that can accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies up to 325 lb. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one child.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and later a junior bed. This will give it a longer lifespan and means you don't need to purchase a new bed. This is a great option for parents with limited budgets and can save you money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds as they provide the most safety for your child. The crib is intended to be used until your child is two years old. After this, it will have to be converted to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies who are still in a in a supine position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby can roll over. This is a vital aspect, as babies can choke if their heads get trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it isn't easy to fold and can be a challenge to put the legs in place. Also, it is the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry around if you have to move it away from the place where it is stored.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then take a look at this luxurious wooden cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and can blend perfectly with different kid's bedroom styles after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer a safe and secure sleeping environment for your infant, ensuring that they get the rest they need. They are typically lower than beds, with the base being capable of being raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. Some cots come with drop sides that allow you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn, making it easier to take nighttime feedings. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which allows you to use it as a bassinet, and provide a safer option to sleeping in your bed.
Mini Cot Bed have additional features that can make life a little easier for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to safeguard teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth the time to find the ideal cradle or cot 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 a qualified group leader.
There are many aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage, whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to ensure it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough space for your baby to move about and that it's not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or even more. These cots are large enough to accommodate up to four babies at one time, and they include bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready to go to bed. Some also have an end rail that can be removed, to allow you to place your child close to you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own you might consider models with a bunk that can be converted into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your newborn might slip down in the night, and it's also useful for the time when your child begins to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made of polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars too as they should not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards since they could trap clothing or legs.
Another thing to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Check if it can be washed in the machine and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. You'll also need to consider whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need buy some special sheets for travel cots.
Babies need a lot of toys such as nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding clothes and other toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.