How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will serve as their bed until they reach around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Check 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 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to keep them in place. Then, they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You simply need to put your feet in them to make the sleep surface.
It's not easy to take apart. You need to be strong enough to pull the legs out, and then it is quite a task to dismantle the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've tried.
If you want something stronger and long-lasting, take an examination of the various models of cot beds available on the market. They're generally suitable from birth to around 2 years old, which means you'll need to purchase one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children prefer to stay in a Mini Cot Bed longer than this, but most are keen to transition to their first single bed which can be presented as a 'prize' for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, providing a great night's sleep over any type of ground even hard surfaces. It's easy to put together, has no small parts to get lost, and is solid enough to support the child's weight without worrying about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. It has the same safety features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to meet the needs of your child's growing up. It has numerous support areas so that you can customize it to meet your child's requirements. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at once because it can support up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one child.
A great feature that many parents adore about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed and later into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy another bed. This is important for those who are on a tight budget and will save you money over the long term as your child develops into a young adult.
Most health experts recommend cot beds because they provide the greatest safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child reaches 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll over. This is a crucial aspect, as babies can choke if their heads get trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when trying to position the legs. It's also the largest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry around if you have to transport it from its storage location.
This premium wood cot is the perfect option if you're searching for a cot with all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture will elevate design, comfort and function in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and blends well with different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping space for your baby to ensure they get the rest they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are usually lower than beds. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to sleep safely with your baby. This makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots 4 tots offer the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents. They include a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to protect teething babies, and a riser leg which can create an angle that is suitable to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is among our top choices. It is not only stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different heights for the mattress.
It's important that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth the time to find the ideal cradle or cot for them. If you're trying to figure out what kind of cot or crib is the best crib newborn cot for newborn (see this) option 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?
When you are buying a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. This includes the sides and depth of the cot 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 your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins then you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets to aid in getting your child up and ready for bed. Many also feature the option of a side rail which can be removed which allows you to put your baby near you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model that has bunk beds that can be transformed into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's size. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your newborn might slip down in the night, and is beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However you can also find models made from polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Check the bars' length too and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to keep your child from escaping. You should also avoid cots that have feet and head boards that are solid, as these can restrict limbs and clothing.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to buy some special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of toys, including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothes and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.