How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be the risk of suffocation 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. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly half the price of the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to keep them in position. Then, they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet in them to make the sleep surface.
The only drawback is that it's difficult to remove - you need to be able to lift the legs and it can take some effort to take apart the frame itself. However, that's not a major issue and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've tried.
Look at the cot bed options available that is available if you're looking for something that is more durable and permanent. They're typically suitable from birth until around 2 years, so you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children will stay in the cot for longer, but the majority will want to go to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big sister or brother!
cheap cots provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and feels safe enough to keep a toddler in place without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can find the ideal size to meet your child's specific needs. This is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at one time because it can support up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one baby.
A great feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed and then onto an adult bed, giving it a longer lifespan and means that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is a great option for parents with limited funds and will save money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health professionals since they provide the most safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is approximately 2 years old. They will then need to be converted into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is an essential feature as children can suffocate when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not the most portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold and can be a bit finicky when trying to get the legs in a proper position. It's also the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it 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 deluxe wood cot. This stunning piece of furniture can be elevated in style, comfort and function in your living space. It looks stunning 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 provide the safety and security of a sleeping space for your baby and ensure that they get the rest they need. They are usually smaller than beds, with the base being adjustable to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots have a drop side which allows you to safely co-sleep with your baby and makes it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely which allows you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to protect teething babies, and a riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable for reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also super practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's rest. So, it is worthwhile to take the time to choose the best cradle or cot for your baby. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the options available and discuss these with other parents as well as a qualified group leader.
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, if it comes with an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot, whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at once, and they come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your child ready for bed. They also come with a side rail which can be removed which allows you to put your baby near you while they rest. If you have children you might want to look for one with a bunk bed that can be converted into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet your baby's size. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your newborn might slip down at night, and also beneficial when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed from natural materials like cotton or wool, but you can find models that use polyurethane foam too.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they can trap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot should be considered. Make sure 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 have to consider whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need purchase special travel cot sheets.
The cost of a diaper can quickly go up! bedding clothes and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage space. It can assist you organize everything and easily accessible.