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 comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps as they could pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also consider a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost 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 tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to hold them in position. Then, they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to put your feet in them to make the sleeping surface.
It isn't easy to disassemble. You need to be strong to remove the legs and then it's a bit of work to remove the frame. It's a minor issue, and I think it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.
If you want something a little more robust and durable, take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market. If you decide to go with this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child once they reach some time.
Some children prefer to remain in a cot for more than this, but most are keen to get their first single bed - which can be presented as a 'prize' for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, providing a great night's rest on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together, has no small parts to get lost, and is solid enough to support children without worry about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails and an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also comes with numerous support areas, so you can choose the perfect fit for your child's needs. In addition, this is the only cot we test that can accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families that will need to share space.
One of the things that parents love about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed and then onto an adult bed, giving it a longer life span and meaning that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is ideal for families with limited budgets and can save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option of most health experts as they offer the most safety for your baby. The bed is intended to be used until your child reaches the age of two years old. After this, it will have to be converted to a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature because children could choke if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold, and can be quite finicky when trying to get the legs. It's also the biggest cot we've reviewed and can be quite heavy to carry around if you need to move it from the storage location.
This luxury wood cot is the perfect option if you're looking for a cot that comes with all the features. This gorgeous piece of furniture can be elevated in the look, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and will blend well with a range of different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping space for your baby and ensure that they get the sleep they require. They are typically lower than beds and the base is able to be raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. Many cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep safely with your infant. This makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots allow the option of removing a side completely and allowing you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a safer option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that help parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect to store things in, rails that protect babies with teeth, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It's not just beautiful with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.
Sleeping well is essential for all babies therefore it's worth the time finding the right cot or crib for your baby. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the options available and discuss the options with other parents and a qualified group leader.
There are a variety of things to consider when buying a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has a drop side for petite babies or with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has a removable hood and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of space to move around and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or more. These cots are built to accommodate up to four babies at one time They also come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready to go to bed. A lot of them come with a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you while they sleep. If you have other children, you may want to look for models with a bunk bed that can be transformed into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This is a great option to consider if you're worried that your child might fall asleep at night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand up. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made with polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. pop over to these guys will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Check the bars' length too and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from climbing out. Also, avoid cots that have feet and head boards that are solid because they can trap limbs or clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be considered. Make sure it's machine washable, 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 cot bedding fits or if you'll need to purchase a specific travel cot sheet.
The cost of diapers can quickly add up! Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.