How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed, and will be their sleep space until they reach around four years old. So you want it to be comfy sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Check it has gaps-free mattresses as gaps can pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for a cot that converts to an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set-up - the two main poles snap together, like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to hold them in position. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to place your feet on them to create the sleep surface.
It isn't easy to take apart. You must be strong to pull the legs out and then it's a bit of work to dismantle the frame. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the most lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
Look at the cot bed range on the market if you're looking for something more durable and permanent. If you choose this option, you'll need to purchase a separate bed for your child in several years.
Some children will remain in the cot longer, however, the majority of children will want to move to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also simple to install, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it's safe enough to hold a toddler without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for newborn twins or siblings who want to sleep together. It has the same safety features as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to meet your child's changing needs. It has multiple support areas so you can customize it to meet your child's requirements. In addition, this is the only cot we test that can accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one child.
One feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and then into a junior bed, giving it a longer lifespan and meaning that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is great for those with limited budgets and can save you money as your child grows.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds because they provide the most protection for your child. The crib is designed to be used until your child is two years old. After that, it needs to be changed to a junior bed or toddler bed.
best crib newborn is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies that are in the in a supine position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby can roll over. This is an essential feature as children can suffocate if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to fold and can be difficult to put the legs in place. Additionally, it's the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it away from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, you should look no further than this luxury wood cot. This beautiful piece of furniture will elevate design, comfort and function in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery, and will blend with a variety of different styles for bedrooms for children after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. They are typically lower than beds, with the base being capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have an opening that allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots have the option of removing a side completely, allowing you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a safer alternative than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that help parents. There is a drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage, rails to protect teething babies and a riser leg which can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also very practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It is essential that your child gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worth your time to find the right cot or cradle for them. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the available options and discuss these with other parents as well as a qualified group leader.
When purchasing a cot, there are a lot of things to consider. These include the sides and depth of the cot, its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery or bedroom, with plenty of room for movement and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at a time They also come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your little ones ready for bed. A lot of them have a side rail so that you can keep your child close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model that has bunk beds that can be converted into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit the size of your baby. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your baby may slip in the night, and is useful for the time when your child begins to stand. A lot of cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but there are models that make use of polyurethane foam, too.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows 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 keep your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards, as they can trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure it can be washed in the machine and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. You'll also want to check whether your standard cot bedding fits or if you'll need to purchase a special travel cot sheet.
Babies require lots of accessories including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.