How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their sleep space until they reach around four years old. So you want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Check it has a gap-free mattress, since gaps could pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options available on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set up - the two main poles snap together like unusually large tent poles, with shock cord to keep them arranged, then they slide easily into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to create the sleeping area.
It isn't easy to dismantle. You need to be strong enough to remove the legs and then it's an effort to remove the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the lightest cot I've ever tried.
Check out the range of cot beds available on the market if looking for something that is more durable and long-lasting. If you decide to go with this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child after several years.
Continuing will stay in the cot for longer, but most will want to move to their first single mattress as a reward for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it feels secure enough to keep a toddler in place without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for twins who are just born or siblings who will need to share a bed. It offers the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, so you can choose the ideal size for your child's needs. Moreover, this is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two babies up to 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families that need to share space.
A great feature that many parents adore about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and then into a junior bed, giving it an extended lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy a new bed. This is important for those with tight budgets and could save you money in the future as your child grows into a young adult.
Most health experts recommend cot beds because they provide the greatest security for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches 2 years old. They will eventually require conversion into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies who are still in a sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll. This is an important feature as children may choke if their heads get trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not the most mobile, as it takes an enormous amount of effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when trying to position the legs in a proper position. It's also the largest cot on our list, and can be heavy to carry around if you have to transport it from its storage area.
This premium wooden cot is the ideal option if you're searching for a cot that comes with all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and blends well with different styles of bedrooms for kids when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet the developmental stage of your baby. They are usually lower than beds. Many cots have drop sides that allow you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn and makes it easier to take nighttime feeds. Some cots also offer the option of removing one of the sides completely, which could allow you to use it as a bassinet and create a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that help parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage, rails that safeguard babies who are teething, and a riser leg which can create a slight angle to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also super practical with three levels of height for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies and it's worth the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your newborn. If you are struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a certified group instructor and other new parents?
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when purchasing the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it comes with a drop side for petite babies or 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 checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery/bedroom with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets to aid in getting your children up and ready for bed. Some have a side rail to keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a model with bunk beds which can be made into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's size. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your newborn might slip down at night, and is beneficial 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 of polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They shouldn't be more than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to also be considered. Check if the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your standard bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need buy some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of diapers can quickly go up! Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.