How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed, and will be their bed until they reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps as these can be a suffocation hazard for babies. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost a quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two primary poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles with shock cord to keep them arranged and then slide into sleeves attached to their legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to set up the sleeping surface.
It isn't easy to take apart. It is necessary to be strong enough to pull the legs out, and then it is quite a task to remove the frame. However, that's not a major issue and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tried.
If you're looking for something a little more robust and permanent, then take an examination of the various models of cot beds that are available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth to around 2 years old, so you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children prefer to stay in a cot longer than this, however most are keen to get their first single bed - which can be presented as a "prize' for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to get lost, and is solid enough to support a child without worrying about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that require sleeping together. It offers the same safety features as a single cot including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can choose the perfect fit to meet your child's specific requirements. In addition, this is the only cot that we tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously and can accommodate two babies as big as 325 lb. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families who require space sharing.
One feature that many parents adore about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed, and later into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and meaning that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is important for those on tight budgets and can save you money in the future as your child develops into an adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option of most health experts since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used up until your child is 2 years. After that, it will need to be converted to a toddler or junior bed.
best cot bed is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital feature because children could choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.
This cot's only downside is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be a challenge to get the legs into place. Additionally, it's the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you need to move it away from the storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, you should look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. This stunning piece of furniture will enhance design, comfort and function in your living room. It looks stunning in any nursery, and can be incorporated into various styles for bedrooms for children when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for newborns and provide an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually smaller than beds, with the base being able to be raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. This allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots offer the option of removing a side completely, allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life easier for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails on the top of the cot to safeguard infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It is not only beautiful with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also very practical, with three different height settings for the mattress.
It is essential that your child gets a good night's sleep. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the ideal cradle or cot for your baby. If you are struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a trained group leader and other new parents?
When purchasing a cot, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. These include the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth, its storage capacity, if it has a removable hood, and if it includes 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 space to move around and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once, and they include bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready to go to bed. Some have a removable side rail so that you can keep your child close as they sleep. If you have other children You may want to look for a model with a bunk bed that can be transformed into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's height. This is a great solution if you are worried that your child could be prone to falling down in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child starts to stand up. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made of polyurethane.
It's a good idea pick a cot with mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They shouldn't be more than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. It is also recommended to be wary of cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could restrict limbs and clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot must also be considered. Find out if the fabric is able to be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also want to check whether your standard bedding for your cot fits, or if you need to purchase some special travel cot sheet.
Babies need a lot of paraphernalia including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It will help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.