How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's bed until attains the age of four. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Check that the mattress is free of any gaps, as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a cot that is able to convert into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg, and costs almost a quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set-up. The two main poles snap together as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to hold them in position. They then slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to put your feet in them to create the sleeping surface.
The only negative is that it's difficult to remove it - you have to be able to pull out the legs and it requires some effort to remove the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the lightest cot I've ever tried.
If you're looking for something stronger and permanent, then take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. If you decide to go with this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child after several years.
Some children prefer to remain in a cot for more than this, though the majority of them are eager to get their first single bed that can be presented as a 'prize for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller kids, allowing a good night's rest on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. It is simple to put together, has no small parts to break, and is solid enough to support children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for newborn twins or siblings who will need to share a bed. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails and an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It comes with multiple support areas so you can customize it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at once, as it can hold up to 325 lb. This cot is 72 inches long. small cot beds is a big selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one baby.
This cot has a great feature that parents love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and later a junior bed. This will give it a longer lifespan and means that you won't have to purchase a second bed. This is crucial for families on tight budgets and can save you money in the long run as your child develops into an adult.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds since they provide the most protection for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is approximately 2 years old and will then need to be converted into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested with an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby is able to roll. This is an important feature as children may choke if their heads become trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a challenge to get the legs into the right position. It's also the biggest cot on our list and can be quite heavy to carry around if you have to transport it from its storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, then take a look at this luxury wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends well with a range of different kid's bedroom styles when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for newborns and provide an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds, with the base being capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to co-sleep safely with your infant. This also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots have the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it as a bassinet. This is a more secure option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that can make life easier for parents, such as a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect for storage or to keep the essentials at hand, anti-bite rails at the top of the cot for protection infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for reflux babies. One of our cots we love 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 extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your infant. If you're trying to figure out what kind of crib or cot is ideal for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a qualified group leader and other new parents?
There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, especially if it has drop sides for small infants or those with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot, whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery/bedroom 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 large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets to help you get your children to bed. Many have a removable side rail to keep your child close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model that has bunk beds that can be transformed into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This is a great option if you are worried that your child might be prone to falling down at night. It's an excellent idea when your child begins to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However you can also find models made from polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Make sure you check the length of the bars as well and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from escaping. It is also recommended to avoid cots that have feet and head boards that are solid because they can trap limbs or clothing.
Another thing to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. You should also determine if your standard cot bedding fits or if you have to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of toys, including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.