How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they reach around four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Check it has gaps-free mattresses, as gaps can pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Also, look for a cot that converts into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up. The two poles are able to connect like unusually bulky tent poles with shock cords to help keep them in place, then they slide easily into sleeves attached to their legs and you just have to place your feet inside them to set up the sleeping area.
It's not easy to dismantle. It is necessary to be strong to take the legs off, and then it is a bit of work to take apart the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've ever tested.
Check out the range of cot beds available on the market if you're looking for something that is more durable and permanent. If you opt for this option, you'll need to buy a separate bed for your child in several years.
Some children will stay in the cot for longer, but the majority will want to move up to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller children, offering a wonderful night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and feels solid enough to be able to keep a toddler in place without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for newborn twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It comes with numerous support areas so that you can tailor it to your child's needs. Moreover, this is the only cot we tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two babies as big as 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families that require space with more than one baby.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents love. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and later it can be converted into a junior bed. This provides it with longevity and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is important for those on tight budgets and can save you money in the future as your baby grows into a young adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds because they provide the greatest protection for your child. The crib is intended to be used until your child is 2 years. After this, it will have to be changed to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested with an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is a crucial aspect as babies can choke if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold, and can be quite finicky when you try to put the legs. Also, it is the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, you should look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends well with different styles of bedrooms for kids once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your newborn, ensuring that they get the sleep they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are generally lower than beds. Many cots 4 tots have an opening that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn, making 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 affordable cots have additional features that make life easier for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping your essential items close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot to protect teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also very practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies therefore it's worth the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your baby. If you are struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is the Best cot for newborn - understanding, option for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a trained group leader and other new parents?
When buying a cot there are a lot of things to take into account. These include the sides and depth of the cot, its storage capacity, whether the cot beds for sale has a removable hood, and if it has 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, you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once They also come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your little ones ready to go to bed. Some come with a removable side rail so that you can keep your child close as they sleep. If you have kids of your own You may consider models with a bunk bed that can be turned into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit the size of your baby. This is a great idea to consider if you're worried that your baby might fall asleep at night. It's an excellent idea when your child starts to stand up. A lot of cot mattresses are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, but you can find models made of polyurethane foam too.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. 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 since they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Check if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. Also, you should determine if your standard bedding for a cot is suitable or if you need to purchase some special travel cot sheet.
Babies need a lot of accessories such as nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.