How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their sleep space until they reach around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Make sure the mattress is free of any gaps, because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also consider an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on market. It weighs just 2.68kg and costs nearly half the price of the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much simpler to set up - the two main poles snap together like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to hold them in position. Then, they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their connected legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet into them to make the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it's difficult to remove - you need to be really strong to pull out the legs and then it can take some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's only a minor complaint, and I think it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
Look at the range of cot beds available on the market if you're seeking something more durable and long-lasting. If you decide to go with this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child in several years.
Some children prefer to stay in a cot for more 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 choice for babies and small kids, providing a great night's sleep over any type of ground, including hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and doesn't have any small pieces to lose, and feels solid enough to support a child without worrying about unstable parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It comes with the same security features as a single cot. It has side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to fit your child's changing needs. Baby Crib has multiple support areas so you can personalize it to meet your child's requirements. This is the only cot that we tested that can accommodate two infants at once because it can support up to 325 lb. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one child.
One feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed and later into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and meaning that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds and will save money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health experts as they offer the highest level of security for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is approximately two years old. They eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we 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 crucial feature, as children can choke if their heads are stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not the most portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when trying to position the legs into place. Also, it is the largest cot we've reviewed and may be a burden to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from the storage area.
This deluxe wood cot is the perfect choice if you are looking for a cot that comes with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and can blend perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide the safety and security of a sleeping space for your baby, ensuring that they get the sleep they require. The base can be raised to meet your baby's development stage. They are typically lower than beds. Many cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. It also makes it easier to feed at the night. Some cots allow the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a more secure option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life easier for parents. They include a drawer under the cot that is perfect to store things in, rails that protect babies with teeth, and a riser leg which can create an angle that can be used for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.
It's important that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for your child. If you're trying to figure out what kind of cot or crib is ideal for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a qualified group leader and other parents who are new?
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it comes with an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. Double 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's enough room to move around and that it is not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at a time, and they include bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready for bed. Some also have an end rail which can be removed so you can place your baby near you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model with a bunk bed that can be converted into a single.
Many cots feature an adjustable mattress which can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great option for parents who are concerned that your child might fall down in the night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However there are models made with polyurethane.
It is a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the length of the bars as well, as these should not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards since they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it can be washed in the machine and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. You'll also want to check whether your standard cot bedding fits or if you need to purchase a special travel cot sheet.
Babies need a lot of paraphernalia including nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It can help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.