How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. top rated cots want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be the risk of suffocation for infants. Also look for a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options available on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two main poles snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cord to help keep them in place and slide into sleeves that fit on their legs and you just have to put your feet on them to create the sleeping area.
It isn't easy to dismantle. It is necessary to be strong to pull the legs out and then it's a bit of work to take apart the frame. However, that's not a major issue and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've tried.
Look at the cot bed range on the market if looking for something that is more durable and permanent. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years, so you'll need to purchase one bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children are content to remain in a cot longer than this, but the majority of them are eager to get their first single bed - which can be presented as a 'prize for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, allowing a good night's sleep on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, with no small parts that can be lost, and it's secure enough to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for newborn twins or siblings who will need to sleep close together. It offers the same safety features as a single cot including side rails as well as an slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It also comes with numerous support areas, so you can dial in the ideal size to meet your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested that can accommodate two infants at once, as it can hold up to 325 lb. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families that require space sharing.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and later it can be converted into a junior bed. This gives it a longer lifespan and means you don't need to purchase a new bed. This is important for those on tight budgets and can save you money in the long run as your child develops into a young adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds because they offer the highest level of security for your child. The crib is intended to be used until your child is two years old. After this, it will have to be converted to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies that are in the sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll. This is a crucial aspect, as babies can choke if their heads are trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires considerable effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs. It's also the largest cot on our list and can be quite heavy to carry if you need to move it from its storage area.
This deluxe wood cot is the perfect option if you're looking for a cot that comes with all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances the look, comfort and function in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery, and will complement various styles for bedrooms for children when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually smaller than beds and the base is adjustable to accommodate your baby's development stage. A lot of cots have a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your newborn. top rated cots allows you to feed your baby at the evening. Some cots also allow you to remove one of the sides completely. This could allow you to use it as a bassinet, and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that help parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage, rails that protect babies with teeth, and a riser leg which can create an angle that is suitable to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also super practical with three different heights for the mattress, and being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies and it's worth the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your baby. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the options available and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing the cot you want, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with drop sides for small babies or with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. Double check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to ensure that it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there's enough space to move around and that it's not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and include bedding sets that make it easier to get your kids up and ready for bed. They also come with a side rail that can be removed, to allow you to place your child near you as they sleep. If you have other children, you may want to look for one with a bunk bed that can be turned into one bed.
Many cots feature an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried that your baby could slip in the night, and is beneficial for when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as cotton or wool, however there are some that make use of polyurethane foam as well.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars' length too as they should not be more than 6.5cm apart to keep your child from escaping. You should also avoid cots with feet and head boards that are solid, as these can hold limbs or clothing.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Check if the fabric can be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your existing cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to buy some special sheets for travel cots.
The cost of diapers can quickly increase! Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It can help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.