How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's sleeping place until he or she is four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure it is gaps-free mattresses, because gaps can be an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs only 2.68kg and is priced almost one quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up - the two primary poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles with shock cord to help keep them in place and then slide into sleeves attached to their legs. All you have to do is to put your feet on them to create the sleeping area.
It's not easy to disassemble. It is necessary to be strong to remove the legs, and then it is a bit of work to take apart the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
If you want something more sturdy and long-lasting, take an interest in the variety of cot beds available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth until around 2 years old, so you'll need to purchase a single bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children will stay in the cot for longer, but most will want to move up 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, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it feels solid enough to be able to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins who are just born or siblings who need to sleep together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, which means you can dial in the ideal size for your child's unique requirements. This is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at a time, as it can hold up to 325 lbs. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families who require space sharing.
One feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed and then onto a junior bed, giving it a longer life span and meaning that you won't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget and can save you money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds since they provide the most safety for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies who are in a supine position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital feature, as children can choke if their heads become trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
This cot's only downside is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a challenge to put the legs in 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.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, take a look at this luxury wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles of bedrooms for kids after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your baby gets the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds and have a base that is capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your infant. This also allows you to feed your baby at the evening. Some cots offer the option of removing 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 have additional features that help parents. There is an under-bed drawer which is ideal for storage, rails that protect teething babies and a riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also very practical with three different heights for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's sleep. So, it is worthwhile to take the time to choose the best cradle or cot for your baby. If you are struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is best for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a qualified group leader and other parents who are new?
There are a number of things to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, especially if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it has an adjustable 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 or bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate up to four babies at one time, and they come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready for bed. Many have a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might think about a product that has a bunk bed which can be made into one.
full report of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit your baby's size. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your baby could slip at night, and also beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Many cot mattresses are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, however there are models that make use of polyurethane foam, too.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate, keeping 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 could trap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be considered. Find out if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your existing bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll have to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of toys including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.