How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will be their bed until they are around four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfortable solid and secure.
Check that the mattress is free of any gaps, because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a convertible cot.
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 tested. It's also much easier to set-up. The two main poles snap together like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in place. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to put your feet into them to set up the sleep surface.
The only negative is that it's a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be able to lift the legs and then it can take some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the most lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and long-lasting, take an examination of the various models of cot beds available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth to about 2 years old, so you'll need a single bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot for more than this, but most want to move on to their first single bed that can be presented as a 'prize' for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, providing a great night's sleep over any type of ground including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, without small parts that can 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 will be ideal for twins or siblings that require sleeping together. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to suit the needs of your child's growing up. It also comes with multiple support areas, so you can dial in the ideal size for your child's needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot we've tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that require space with more than one child.
This cot has a great feature that parents love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and then it can be converted into a junior bed. This gives it longevity and means that you won't need to purchase a new bed. This is great for those with limited budgets and can save you money as your child grows.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately two years old. They then need to be converted into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies who are still in the supine position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby can roll over. This is a crucial feature as children may choke if their heads get stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when trying to get the legs. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you need to move it far from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery and can be incorporated into various styles for bedrooms for children once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for babies and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. They are usually smaller than beds and the base is able to be raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots have a drop side which allows you to safely co-sleep with your baby and makes it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots allow the option of removing one side completely which allows you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents, such as a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails on the top of the cot to safeguard teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope 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 but it is also very practical with three different heights for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It's important that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worthwhile to take the time to choose the best cradle or cot for them. If you're struggling to decide what type of cot or crib is the best option for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New baby cot online Course and explore the various options with a trained group leader and other new parents?
When you are buying a cot, there are many things to consider. These include the sides and depth of the cot as well as its storage capacity, whether the cot comes with a hood that can be removed, and if it includes bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to make sure it is suitable for 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
If you are expecting twins or triplets you'll require a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once and come with bedding sets that aid in getting your children up and ready for bed. Many come with a removable side rail to keep your child close while they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may prefer a model with a bunk bed that can be turned into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit your baby's size. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your baby may slip in the night, and is beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but there are some that use polyurethane foam, too.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too as they should not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards since they can trap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot should be considered. Make sure it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any removable parts. You'll also want to check whether your standard cot bedding fits or if you need to purchase a special travel cot sheet.
Babies require a lot of accessories including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.