How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will serve as their sleeping space until they are around four years old. So you want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure the mattress is free of any gaps, as they could pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also, look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. top ranked cribs weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set up - the two poles are able to snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cords to help keep them in place and slide into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to place your feet in them to create the sleeping area.
It can be difficult to take apart. It is necessary to be strong enough to remove the legs, and then it is a bit of work to dismantle the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.
Check out the cot bed options available that is available if you're looking for something that is more durable and permanent. They're generally suitable from birth to around 2 years old, which means you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children will remain in the cot longer, however, the majority of children will want to move up to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller kids, providing a great night's sleep on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble, has no small parts to lose, and feels sturdy enough to hold the child's weight without worrying about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to fit your child's growing needs. It also has numerous support areas, so you can find the perfect fit for your child's unique requirements. Furthermore, it's the only cot we've tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who require space with more than one child.
One of the things that parents appreciate about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed, and then into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and meaning that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is crucial for families 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 sleep option for the majority of health professionals since they provide the most safety for your baby. The bed is designed to be used up until your child reaches the age of two years old. After that, it will need to be converted to a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are in a in a supine position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll over. This is a crucial aspect, as babies can choke if their heads get stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold and can be a challenge to get the legs in the right position. It's also the biggest cot on our list and can be quite heavy to carry around if you have to transport it from its storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then look no further than this luxurious wood cot. This stunning piece of furniture can be elevated in design, comfort and function in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery and will blend with a variety of different styles for bedrooms for children when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your infant, ensuring that they get the rest they require. They are usually smaller than beds and have a base that is capable of being raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn, making it easier to take nighttime feedings. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which could allow you to use it as a bassinet and provide a safer option to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents, like an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping the essentials at hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot to safeguard infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It's not just beautiful with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also extremely practical, with three different height settings for the mattress.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies and it's worth your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your baby. If you are trying to figure out what kind of cot or crib is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a qualified group leader and other new parents?
When you are buying a cot, there are a lot of things to take into account. This includes the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth, its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood, and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of room for movement and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets then you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets that aid in getting your kids ready for bed. Some also have an end rail that can be removed, so you can place your child near you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may think about a product with a bunk bed that can be transformed into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit your baby's size. This is a great option if you're worried that your newborn might slip down during the night, and it's also beneficial for when your child is beginning to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However there are models made from polyurethane.
It's a good idea pick a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They shouldn't be wider than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards, as they can trap clothing or legs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. You should also determine if your standard bedding for a cot is suitable or if you'll need to purchase a specific travel cot sheet.
Babies require lots of paraphernalia such as nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) bedding clothes and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage. It can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.