How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will serve as their sleeping space until they reach around four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. 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 almost a quarter of 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 place. Then they slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet into them to set up the sleep surface.
It isn't easy to disassemble. You must be strong to remove the legs and then it's quite a task to dismantle the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the best lightweight cot I've ever tried.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and long-lasting, take an interest in the variety of cot beds on the market. If you opt for this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child in several years.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot for more than this, though most are keen to move on to their first single bed which could be presented as a "prize for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, providing a great night's rest on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. small cot beds is easy to assemble, has no small parts to get lost, and is sturdy enough to hold a child without worrying about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It has the same safety features as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to suit the needs of your child's growing up. It also has numerous support areas, so you can dial in the perfect fit for your child's requirements. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time and can hold up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one child.
This cot has a great feature that parents love. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and then a junior bed. This will give it longevity and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget and can save you money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of security for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child reaches two years old. They eventually require conversion into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are still in a sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby can roll over. This is a crucial feature, as children can choke if their heads get trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires considerable effort to fold and can be quite finicky when trying to get the legs. It's also the biggest cot on our list, and can be heavy to carry when you have to transport it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, then you should look no further than this luxury wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances style, comfort and functionality in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery, and will complement a variety of different designs for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your infant and ensure that they get the sleep they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are typically lower than beds. Many cots have drop sides that allow you to safely co-sleep with your baby and makes it easier for night time feedings. Some cots offer the option of removing a side completely and allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a safer option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify life for parents, like an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage or to keep your essential items close at hand, anti-bite rails on the top of the cot to safeguard infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. best cots 's not just elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also practical with three different heights for the mattress.
Having good quality sleep is crucial for all babies and it's worth the time to find the perfect cot or crib for your newborn. If you are struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is the best option for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group leader and other parents who are new?
There are a variety of things to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with an opening for a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of 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 hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets to help you get your kids ready for bed. Many also feature an end rail which can be removed so you can place your baby near you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model that has bunk beds that can be converted into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great idea if you're concerned that your baby could slip in the night, and also beneficial for the time when your child begins to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials like wool or cotton. However you can also find models made with polyurethane.
It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Also, avoid cots with solid head and foot boards, as these can trap limbs or clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be taken into consideration. Check if the fabric can be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need purchase special sheets for travel cots.
The cost of diapers can quickly increase! Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.