How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they reach around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also, look for a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two main poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles complete with shock cords to help keep them in place, then they slide easily into sleeves on their connected legs and you just have to place your feet in them to create the sleeping surface.
The only negative is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be extremely strong to remove the legs and then it takes some effort to take apart the frame. It's a minor issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something a little more robust and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. If you choose this option, you'll have to buy a separate bed for your child after several years.
Some children may stay in the cot for longer, however, the majority of children will want to go to their first single mattress - as a reward for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, providing a great night's sleep on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, without tiny parts that could get lost, and it feels safe enough to hold 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 as well as a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It has multiple support areas so you can customize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested that can accommodate two infants at a time and can hold up to 325 lb. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families that need to share space.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and later it can be converted into a junior bed. This will give it longevity and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is essential for parents who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the future as your child grows into an adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option for a lot of health experts as they offer the most safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child reaches 2 years old. They will eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we 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 can roll over. This is a vital aspect, as babies can choke if their heads become trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
This cot's only downside is that it can be difficult to fold and can be a hassle to get the legs in the right position. Additionally, it's the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry around if you have to move it from the storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, you should look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates design, comfort and utility in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and can blend well with a range of different styles of bedrooms for kids after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby to ensure they get the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds and have a base that is capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. This makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots allow the option of removing a side completely which allows you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify life for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot which is ideal for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline to help 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 height settings for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies, so it's worth spending the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your infant. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the options available and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
When you are buying a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. This includes the cot's depth and sides as well as its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if it has bedding. cot sales is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space for movement, and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets then you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once They also include bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready to go to bed. Some come with a removable side rail to keep your baby close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may think about a product with bunk beds that can be converted into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried that your baby may slip in the night, and also useful for when your child starts to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However there are models made from polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the bars' length too, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards since they could trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot must be taken into consideration. Find out if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of paraphernalia such as nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage. It can help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.