How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's sleeping place until he or is four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps because they can pose a suffocation hazard for babies. Also consider a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on market. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot 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. They then slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet in them to create the sleeping surface.
The only negative is that it can be difficult to take apart and you'll need to be able to pull out the legs, and then it requires some effort to take apart the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something stronger and long-lasting, take a look at the range of cot beds on the market. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years, so you'll need to purchase a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children will remain in the cot for longer, but most will want to move to their first single mattress as a reward for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller kids, allowing a good night's sleep on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no small pieces that could be lost, and feels secure enough to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It offers the same safety features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas so you can tailor it to meet your child's requirements. Moreover, this is the only cot we've tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously and can accommodate two infants up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that require space with more than one child.
One feature that many parents appreciate about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed, and then onto a junior bed, giving it a longer life span and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is crucial for families on tight budgets and can save you money in the long run as your baby grows into a young adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health experts since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. The cot bed is intended to be used until your child is two years old. After that, it needs to be converted to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we have tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable from birth and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it isn't easy to fold and can be a challenge to get the legs into place. It's also the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from the storage area.
This deluxe wood cot is the perfect option if you're looking for a cot that comes with all the features. This gorgeous piece of furniture will enhance the look, comfort and functionality in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery and will blend with various styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for newborns and provide a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet your baby's development stage. They are typically lower than beds. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots also offer the option of removing one of the sides completely. This can allow you to use it as a bassinet to make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify the lives of parents. These include a drawer under the cot that is perfect for storage, rails that protect teething babies, and a riser leg which can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. 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 super practical with three different heights for the mattress, and being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is vital for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your infant. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the options available and discuss the options with other parents and a qualified group leader.
When purchasing a cot, there are a variety of factors to take into account. This includes the cot's depth and sides and storage capacity, if it comes with a hood that can be removed, and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery or bedroom with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins you'll require a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets to make it easier to get your children up and ready for bed. A lot of them have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model with bunk beds that can be transformed into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet the size of your baby. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your baby may slip at night, and is useful for the time when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed of natural materials such as cotton or wool, however you can find models made of polyurethane foam, too.
It is a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your child from escaping. It is also recommended to be wary of cots that have solid foot and head boards, as these can restrict limbs and clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot should be considered. Find out if the fabric is able to be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
The cost of diapers can quickly increase! bedding clothes and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage. It can assist you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.