How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their bed until they reach around four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps because they can pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a cot that can be converted to a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set up - the two main poles snap together like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to hold them in place. Then they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet into them to set up the sleeping surface.
It can be difficult to take apart. It is necessary to be strong enough to pull the legs out and then it's an effort to take apart the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've ever tested.
Check out the cot bed range on the market if you're looking for something more robust and long-lasting. They're typically suitable from birth to about 2 years old, which means you'll need to purchase one bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children may stay in the cot longer, however, the majority of children will want to move up to their first single mattress - as a reward 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's also simple to set up, with no small parts that can be lost, and it's solid enough to be able to hold a toddler without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for newborn twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas, so you can choose the right fit for your child's 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 lbs. This cot is 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families who will need to share space.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then it can be converted into a junior bed. This will give it a longer lifespan and means you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is a great option for parents with limited budgets and will save money as your child grows.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds because they offer the highest level of security for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is around 2 years old and will eventually require conversion 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 from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold and can be a challenge to put the legs in place. It's also the biggest cot in our list and is a bit heavy to carry when you have to transport it from the storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, then look no further than this luxury wood cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that elevates design, comfort and utility in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your newborn to ensure they get the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds, with the base being capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots offer the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life easier for parents. They include an under-bed drawer which is ideal for storage, rails to protect babies with teeth, and a riser leg that can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also very practical with three different heights for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It is essential that your child has a restful night's sleep. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for your baby. If online cots struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is the best option for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group instructor and other new parents?
When purchasing cots offers , there are many things to consider. These include the cot's depth and sides as well as its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if the cot has bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to make sure it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough space for your baby to move about and that it's not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at once They include bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready to go to bed. Some have a side rail to keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have children, you may want to look for a model with a bunk bed that can be turned into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried your baby may slip at night, and it's also useful for the time when your child begins to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However there are models made with polyurethane.
It is a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the bars' length too, as these should not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards as they can entrap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to also be considered. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. You'll also have to consider whether your standard bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll have to purchase specialized sheets for travel cots.
The cost of diapers can quickly increase! Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.