How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they reach around four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy, sturdy and safe.
Make sure it is gaps-free mattresses as gaps can pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set up - the two poles are able to connect like unusually bulky tent poles complete with shock cord to keep them in order, 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.
The only negative is that it's difficult to remove - you need to be extremely strong to remove the legs and it takes some effort to dismantle the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've tested.
Check out the cot bed options available on the market if you're looking for something more robust and long-lasting. If you decide to go with this option, you'll need to buy a new bed for your child after some time.
Some children will stay in the cot longer but the majority will want to move up to their first single mattress as a reward 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 over any type of ground even hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and doesn't have any small pieces to lose, and feels solid enough to support the child's weight without worrying about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to meet your child's changing needs. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can dial in the ideal size for your child's unique requirements. In addition, this is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two infants up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one baby.
One of the things that parents adore about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed and then into a junior bed, giving it an extended lifespan and means that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is important for those who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the long run as your baby grows into an adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health experts as they offer the most safety for your baby. The bed is designed to be used until your child is two years old. After that, it needs to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is an important feature, as children can choke if their heads become trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a hassle to put the legs in place. It is also the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around if you have to move it from the storage location.
This premium wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that has all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that elevates design, comfort and utility in your living space. It also looks stunning in any nursery and blends well with a range of different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your newborn and ensure that they get the rest they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are generally lower than beds. Some cots come with a drop side which allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your baby and makes it easier for night time feedings. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which could allow you to use it as a bassinet, and provide a safer option to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that simplify the lives of parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage, rails that safeguard babies who are teething and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is among our top choices. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
It is essential that your child has a restful night's sleep. Therefore, it's worth your time to find the ideal cradle or cot for your baby. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the available options and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.
There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, especially if it has 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. Check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to make sure it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there's enough room to move around and that it's not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies at once and include bedding sets that help you get your children up and ready for bed. Many have a side rail to keep your child close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model that has a bunk bed that can be transformed into one.
Many cots feature an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried that your baby could slip in the night, and it's also useful for when your child starts to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made of polyurethane.
It is a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cot sales that have solid foot and head boards, as they can entrap clothing or legs.
The ease of cleaning the cot should also be considered. Check if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. You'll also have to consider whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to purchase special travel cot sheets.
The cost of a diaper can quickly add up! Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It will help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.