How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will serve as their sleeping space until they are around four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfy solid and secure.
Check that the mattress is free of any gaps, as these can be a suffocation hazard for babies. Also look for a cot that converts into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg and costs nearly one quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set up. The two main poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles, with shock cords to keep them in order and then slide into sleeves attached to their legs. You just need to put your feet on them to make the sleeping area.
It can be difficult to disassemble. You need to be strong to take the legs off, and then it is an effort to dismantle the frame. However, that's not a major issue and it's the most lightweight cot I've tested.
Look at the cot bed options available on the market if looking for something that is more robust and long-lasting. If you choose this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child once they reach a few years.
Some children may stay in the cot longer but the majority will want to move 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 children, offering a wonderful night's sleep over any type of ground even hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small parts that can be lost, and it's solid enough to be able to be held by a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for newborn twins or siblings who want to sleep together. It offers the same safety features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas, so you can choose the perfect fit for your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested that can accommodate two infants at once and can hold up to 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one baby.
One of the things that parents love about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and then onto a junior bed, giving it a longer lifespan and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds as they provide the greatest protection for your child. The crib is designed to be used until your child reaches two years old. After that, it will need to be converted into a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby can roll over. This is a vital aspect, as babies can choke if their heads get stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not very mobile, as it takes an enormous amount of 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 we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it far from its storage location.
This deluxe wood cot is a great option if you're looking for a cot that has all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends perfectly with different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds and the base is adjustable depending on your baby's developmental stage. Some cots come with drop sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn and makes it easier for night time feeds. Some cots allow you to remove one of the sides completely, which allows you to use it as a bassinet and make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that help parents. There is a drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage, rails to safeguard babies who are teething, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It's not just beautiful with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
It's important that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worthwhile to take the time to choose the best cradle or cot for your child. If you're struggling to decide what type of cot or crib is the best option 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?
There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. It is also worth checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery/bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at once They also come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready for bed. Some also have an end rail which can be removed to allow you to place your child near 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.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to fit your baby's height. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your newborn might slip down during the night, and also useful for the time when your child begins to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However you can also find models made with polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They shouldn't be larger than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. cheap cot bed is also recommended to avoid cots with solid foot and head boards because they can hold limbs or clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot should be taken into consideration. Check if it can be washed in the machine and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to buy some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of diapers can quickly increase! Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage space. crib sets can help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.