How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their sleep space until they are around four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfy, sturdy and safe.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a cot that is able to convert into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg, and costs almost one quarter less than the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in position. Then, they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their linked legs. You simply need to put your feet into them to set up the sleeping surface.
The only negative is that it's difficult to remove - you need to be really strong to remove the legs, and then it can take some effort to dismantle the frame itself. However, that's not a major issue and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've ever tested.
Look at the range of cot beds available on the market if seeking something more durable and long-lasting. If you decide to go with this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child once they reach some time.
Some children may stay in the cot longer but the majority will want to go 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 sleep over any type of ground, including hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble, has no small parts to break, and is sturdy enough to hold the child's weight without worrying about unstable parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. It has the same safety features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to suit your child's changing needs. It also has multiple support areas, so you can customize it to your child's needs. Moreover, this is the only cot we've tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants at once and can accommodate two babies up to 325 lb. The 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 great feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and later a junior bed. This will give it a longer lifespan and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is important for those on tight budgets and can save you money over the long term as your child develops into an adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health experts since they provide the most safety for your baby. The crib is designed to be used up until your child reaches 2 years. After that, it will need to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are still in a sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll. This is an important feature, as children can choke if their heads become stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when you try to put the legs into place. It's also the largest 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 ticks all the boxes, you should look no further than this deluxe wood cot. This beautiful piece of furniture will enhance the look, comfort and functionality in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery, and can be incorporated into various styles for bedrooms for children after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for newborns and provide an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. They are typically lower than beds and the base is able to be raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots have an opening that allows you to safely co-sleep with your baby and makes it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots allow you to remove one of the sides completely. nursery cots could allow you to use it as a bassinet, and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that help parents. They include a drawer under the cot which is ideal to store things in, rails that protect teething babies, 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 top picks. It is not only stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three different height settings 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 baby. If you are struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is ideal for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group leader and other new parents?
When purchasing a cot, there are a variety of factors to consider. This includes the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth and storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if it has bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to ensure it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough space to move around and that it is not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins then you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at a time, and they come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready to go to bed. Many also feature the option of a side rail which can be removed so you can place your child close to you while they sleep. If you have kids of your own you might want to look for one with a bunk that can be turned into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit your baby's height. This is a great option if you are worried that your child could fall down in the night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand up. Many cot mattresses are constructed from natural materials like cotton or wool, but there are models that make use of polyurethane foam as well.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They shouldn't be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards, as they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be taken into consideration. Make sure it's machine washable and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. Also, you should determine whether your standard cot bedding fits or if you have to purchase a special travel cot sheets.
Nappy costs can quickly go up! Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.