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. So you want it to be comfortable solid and secure.
Make sure it is a gap-free mattress, as gaps can pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for a cot that converts into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to keep them in place. They then are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You simply need to put your feet in them to create the sleep surface.
The only negative is that it's difficult to take apart - you need to be able to pull out the legs and it can take some effort to dismantle the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the lightest cot that I've ever tested.
Look at the range of cot beds available that is available if you're looking for something that is more durable and long-lasting. If you opt for this option, you will need to buy a new bed for your child in a few years.
Some children are content to remain in a cot longer than this, however most want to transition to their first single bed - which can be presented as a "prize' for being a big brother or sister!
mini cot beds is a comfortable option for infants and smaller kids, allowing a good night's sleep on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it's secure enough to hold a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins who are just born or siblings who will need to sleep together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to meet your child's changing needs. It has multiple support areas so you can customize it to meet your child's 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. and 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that require space with more than one baby.
This cot has a great feature that parents are sure to love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and then it can be converted into a junior bed. This will give it a longer lifespan and means that you won't need to purchase a new bed. This is a great option for parents with limited funds and can save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health professionals since they provide the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is around 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we have 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 crucial feature as children can suffocate when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not the most portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs into place. It's also the biggest cot on our list and can be quite heavy to carry if you have to move it from the storage location.
This luxury wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that has all the features. This stunning piece of furniture can be elevated in style, comfort and function in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for newborns and provide an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. They are typically lower than beds and have a base that is capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. This makes it easier to feed at the night. Some cots even offer the option of removing one of the sides completely. This allows you to use it as a bassinet, and make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot which is ideal for storage or keeping the essentials at hand, anti-bite rails at the top of the cot to protect teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also super practical with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is crucial for all babies, so it's worth spending the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your infant. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the available options and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.
When you are buying a cot, there are a lot of things to consider. This includes the sides and depth of the cot as well as its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood, and if the cot comes with bedding. It is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets that aid in getting your child up and ready for bed. Some also have the option of a side rail which can be removed which allows you to put your baby near you while they sleep. If you have kids of your own You may consider one with a bunk that can be turned into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great idea if you are worried that your baby might fall asleep in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child is beginning to stand up. A lot of cot mattresses are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, but there are models that use polyurethane foam too.
Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Also, be wary of cots that have feet and head boards that are solid, as these can hold limbs or clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot must also be considered. Find out if it can be washed in the machine and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. Also, you should determine whether your bedding for your cot fits, or if you have to purchase some special travel cot sheet.
The cost of a diaper can quickly go up! bedding, clothing and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It will help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.