How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed, and will be their sleep space until they reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfy solid and secure.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a cot that converts to 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 nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set up. The two poles are able to snap together like unusually large tent poles complete with shock cord to help keep them in place and then slide into sleeves on their connected legs and you just have to place your feet in them to set up the sleeping area.
The only downside is that it's a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be extremely strong to pull out the legs and it takes some effort to dismantle the frame itself. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
Check out the cot bed options available on the market if looking for something more durable and long-lasting. They're usually suitable from birth to around 2 years old, so you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children are content to remain in a cot for longer than this, however the majority of them are eager 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 smaller kids, providing a great night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together, has no small parts to lose, and feels sturdy enough to hold children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. It comes with 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 also comes with multiple support areas, so you can dial in the perfect fit to meet your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested that can accommodate two infants at once because it can support up to 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one baby.
A great feature that many parents appreciate about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed and then into an adult bed, giving it an extended lifespan and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds, and will save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health experts as they offer the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child reaches 2 years old. They will then need to be converted into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies who are in a supine position. The highest setting is recommended 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 drawback to this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold and can be a bit finicky when trying to get the legs into place. Additionally, it's the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you need to move it away from the place where it is stored.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, you should look no further than this luxurious wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates the look, comfort and function in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery and will blend with many different styles for bedrooms for children when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for infants and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. They are typically lower than beds and have a base that is capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby. This also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots have the option of removing one side completely which allows you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a safer alternative than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a drawer under the cot which is ideal for storage, rails to safeguard babies who are teething, and a riser leg which can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It's not just elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also very 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 right cot or cradle for them. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the options available and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, if it comes with a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it comes with 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 plenty of space to move around and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These large cots can accommodate four babies at once and come with bedding sets to make it easier to get your kids to bed. They also come with an end rail which can be removed so you can place your child near you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may think about a product that has a bunk bed which can be made into one.
cots 4 tots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit the size of your baby. This is a great option to consider if you're worried that your child might be prone to falling down at night. It's also a great idea for when your child starts to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials like wool or cotton. However there are models made from polyurethane.
It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from escaping. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards, as they can trap clothing or limbs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean. Make sure it can be washed in the machine and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. You'll also need to consider whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need to buy some special sheets for travel cots.
The cost of a diaper can quickly go up! bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.