How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's bed until she is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps, as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost one quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much simpler to set up - the two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to hold them in position. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet into 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 remove the legs and it can take some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the lightest cot I've ever tried.
Look at the cot bed range on the market if looking for something more durable and long-lasting. If you opt for this option, you will need to buy a new bed for your child after a few years.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot longer than this, however most are keen to get their first single bed which can be presented as a "prize for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, without small parts that can be lost, and it feels secure enough to be held by a toddler without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. It offers the same safety features as a single cot including side rails and an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, which means you can dial in the right fit to meet your child's specific requirements. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at one time, as it can hold up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families who need to share space.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and then a junior bed. This will give it longevity and means that you won't need to purchase a new bed. This is important for those who are on a tight budget and will save you money over the long term as your child grows into a young adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health experts since they provide the best safety for your baby. The crib is designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 2 years. After this, it will have to be converted into 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 is able to roll over. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires a large amount of effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when trying to get the legs in a proper position. It is also the largest cot on 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 checks all the boxes, then look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture will enhance style, comfort and function in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and blends well with different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your newborn to ensure they get the sleep they need. They are usually lower than beds and have a base that is adjustable to accommodate your baby's development stage. Many cots have an opening that allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn and makes it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots also allow you to remove one of the sides completely, which allows you to use it as a bassinet, and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that can make life easier for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot that is perfect to store items or keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails on the top of the cot for protection teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our top 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 extremely 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 gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the best cradle or cot for your baby. If you're trying to figure out what kind of crib or cot is ideal for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a trained group leader and other parents who are new?
There are a variety of things to consider when buying a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets that make it easier to get your children to bed. Some have a removable side rail so that you can keep your child close as they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may want to look for one with a bunk that can be turned into a single bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great idea to consider if you're worried that your child could be prone to falling down in the night. It's an excellent idea when your child begins to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials like wool or cotton. However there are models made from polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the bars' length too, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards, as they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another thing to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. You'll also have to consider whether your standard bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
The cost of a diaper can quickly add up! Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage space. mini cot beds can assist you organize everything and easily accessible.