How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will serve as their sleeping space until they reach around four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfortable sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps, as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a cot that is able to convert to a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on market. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tried. 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. You simply need to put your feet into them to create the sleep surface.
It can be difficult to take apart. You must be strong enough to remove the legs and then it's a bit of work to remove the frame. However, that's not a major issue and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've tried.
Check out the cot bed range on the market if looking for something that is more robust and long-lasting. If you choose this option, you will need to buy a new bed for your child once they reach some time.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot longer than this, however most want to get their first single bed that can be presented as a 'prize' for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small children, offering a wonderful night's rest on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also simple to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it's secure enough to be held by a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that require sleeping together. It offers the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It has multiple support areas so you can personalize it to your child's needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families that need to share space.
One 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 meaning that you won't have to buy another bed. This is great for those with limited budgets and can save you money as your child grows.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is around 2 years old. They will eventually need to be transformed into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby can roll over. This is an essential feature as children can suffocate if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
This cot's only downside is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a hassle to put the legs in position. It's also the biggest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry around if you need to move it from its storage location.
This premium wood cot is the perfect choice if you are looking for a cot that has all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living room. mini cotbed is beautiful in any nursery and can be incorporated into many different styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your newborn to ensure they get the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds and have a base that is adjustable depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your newborn. This allows you to feed your baby at night. Some cots have the option of removing a 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 that protect babies with teeth, and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies therefore it's worth the time to find the perfect cot or crib for your newborn. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the available options and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has drop sides for small babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has a removable hood and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's cot or crib can fit in your bedroom or nursery with enough space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets to make it easier to get your kids up and ready for bed. Some have a removable side rail so that you can keep your child close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model with bunk beds that can be transformed into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit the size of your baby. This is a great solution if you are worried that your child could fall asleep in the night. It's an excellent idea when your child begins to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However there are models made of polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Check the length of the bars as well as they should not be more than 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from climbing out. You should also be wary of cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could restrict limbs and clothing.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean. Make sure it can be washed in the machine and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. Also, you should determine if your standard bedding for a cot is suitable or if you have to purchase a specific travel cot sheets.
The cost of diapers can quickly add up! Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.