How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until he or attains the age of four. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also, look for a cot that converts to a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set up - the two main poles snap together, like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to keep them in position. Then they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their connected legs. It's all you have to do is place your feet on them to set up the sleeping surface.
It's not easy to disassemble. You must be strong enough to take the legs off, and then it is quite a task to dismantle the frame. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the most lightweight frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and permanent, then take a look at the range of cot beds on the market. They're usually suitable from birth until around 2 years old, which means you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children will stay in the cot for longer, however, the majority of children 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, allowing a good night's rest on any kind 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 wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for newborn twins or siblings who need to sleep close together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails as well as an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, which means you can find the right fit for your child's unique needs. This is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at once and can hold up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that require space with more than one baby.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents are sure to love. It can be converted to a toddler's bed and then to a junior bed. This will give it an extended life span and means that you don't need to purchase a new bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds, and will save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts as they offer the most safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is around 2 years old. They will eventually need to be transformed into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in a sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature because children could choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be difficult to put the legs in position. Also, it is the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it far from the storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture can be elevated in style, comfort and function in your living space. It is also stunning in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for newborns and provide a safe sleeping space to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds, with the base being capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. Some cots come with drop sides that allow you to safely co-sleep with your newborn, making it easier for night time feedings. Some cots have the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it as a bassinet. This is a more secure option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can simplify life for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot, which is great to store items or keep the essentials at hand, anti-bite rails on the top of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for 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 extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's sleep. So, it is worth your time to find the right cot or cradle for them. Take cots and tots in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
There are many things to consider when buying the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has drop sides for small babies or with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery with plenty of room for movement and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets to aid in getting your kids to bed. Many also feature a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your child near you while they rest. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a model that has bunk beds that can be converted into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your baby may slip in the night, and is beneficial for the time when your child begins to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made with polyurethane.
It is a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They shouldn't be more than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. You should also be wary of cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could restrict limbs and clothing.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean. Make sure it's machine washable and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any removable parts. Also, you should determine if your standard bedding for a cot is suitable or if you have to purchase a specific travel cot sheets.
The cost of a diaper can quickly add up! bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.