How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will serve as the baby's bed until he or she is four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure it is gaps-free mattresses, since gaps could pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also, look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs only 2.68kg and is priced almost half the price of the Helinox version that I tested. 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. They then slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to put your feet into them to make the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be extremely strong to pull out the legs and it can take some effort to remove the frame. It's not a major issue and I believe it's the most lightweight frame I've tested.
Take a look at the cot bed options available on the market if you're looking for something more durable and long-lasting. They're typically suitable from birth to about 2 years old, so you'll need a single bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children will stay in the cot for longer, but the majority will want to move up to their first single mattress - as a reward for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also simple to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it's safe enough to keep a toddler in place without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It also comes with multiple support areas, so you can dial in the right fit for your child's unique requirements. 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 lb. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that require space with more than one baby.
best crib for newborn has a great feature that parents love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and then a junior bed. This provides it with longevity and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is a great option for parents who have a tight budget and can save you money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds as they provide the most safety for your child. The bed is designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 2 years. After that, it needs to be changed to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot that 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 over. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be difficult to put the legs in position. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed and may be a burden to carry around in the event that you have to move it away from the storage area.
This premium wood cot is the perfect choice if you are looking for a cot with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and will blend well with a range of different kid's bedroom styles when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually smaller than beds and have a base that is adjustable to suit your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. This also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots allow the option of removing a side completely, allowing you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that can make life a little easier for parents, like an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot that is perfect to store items or keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot to protect teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also very practical with three levels of height for the mattress, and being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the ideal cradle or cot for them. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has a drop side for petite babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it comes with a removable hood and if it has bedding. Double check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to ensure that it is suitable for your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough space to move around and that it is not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and include bedding sets to make it easier to get your children ready for bed. They also come with a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your baby near you as they sleep. If you have children you might want to look for models with a bunk that can be turned into a single bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's height. This is a great option for parents who are concerned that your child might fall down in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child begins to stand up. A lot of cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but you can find models made of polyurethane foam, too.
It is a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They shouldn't be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. You should also avoid cots with feet and head boards that are solid, as these can trap limbs or clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot must also be considered. Check if it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. Also, you'll need to think about whether your bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll have to buy some special sheets for travel cots.
Babies require lots of accessories such as nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.