How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will serve as their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy solid and secure.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for cheap cot beds that is able to convert to a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and is priced almost a quarter less than the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two primary poles snap together like unusually large tent poles, with shock cords to keep them in order and slide into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to place your feet in them to make the sleeping area.
The only downside is that it's difficult to remove and you'll need to be able to lift the legs, and then it requires some effort to remove the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the lightest cot I've ever tried.
If you want something a little more robust and durable, take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. They're usually suitable from birth to about 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 move on to their first single bed which could be presented as a 'prize' for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small children, offering a wonderful night's sleep on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, without tiny parts that could get lost, and feels safe enough to be held by a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who need to sleep close together. It has the same security features as a single cot including side rails and an slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas so you can customize it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot that we tested that can accommodate two infants at a time, as it can hold up to 325 lb. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families who will need to share space.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and later a junior bed. This will give it an extended life span and means that you don't have to buy another bed. This is great for those with limited funds and can save you money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds since they provide the greatest safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child reaches two years old. They eventually need to be transformed into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is an important feature, as children can choke if their heads become stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
This cot's only downside is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a hassle to put the legs in place. Also, it is the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it away from its storage location.
This premium wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that has all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture can be elevated in design, comfort and function in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and blends well with different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your infant to ensure they get the rest they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are typically lower than beds. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. This allows you to feed your baby at the evening. Some cots also have the option to remove one of the sides completely which can allow you to use it as a bassinet to create a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that simplify life for parents, such as a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or to keep your essentials close to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It's not just elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.
Sleeping well is crucial for all babies therefore it's worth your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your baby. If you are struggling to determine what kind of cot or crib is ideal for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group leader and other parents who are new?
When you are buying a cot, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. This includes the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth and storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if it includes bedding. Make sure you check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to ensure that it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough space for your baby to move about and that it's not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets you'll require a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets to help you get your child to bed. Many come with a removable side rail to keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have other children, you may consider one with a bunk that can be transformed into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried that your newborn might slip down during the night, and also beneficial for when your child is beginning to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made from polyurethane.
It's a good idea pick a cot with mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the bars' length too and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they can trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Check 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 cot bedding fits or if you'll need to purchase a specific travel cot sheet.
Best cot for newborn can quickly go up! Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to organize everything neatly and easily accessible.