How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they are around four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfortable sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps as they could pose a suffocation hazard for babies. 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 half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. 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 are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to put your feet into them to create the sleeping surface.
The only negative is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle and you'll need to be extremely strong to pull out the legs and it takes some effort to take apart the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the most lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth until around 2 years old, which means you'll need to purchase one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children will remain in the cot longer however, the majority of children will want to move to their first single mattress - as a reward for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no small parts that can be lost, and feels solid enough to be able to hold a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for newborn twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to meet your child's changing needs. It also has numerous support areas so that you can customize it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested that can accommodate two infants at once, as it can hold up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one child.
This cot has a great feature that parents love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and then to a junior bed. This provides it with longevity and means that you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is crucial for families with tight budgets and could save you money over the long term as your baby grows into an adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health professionals since they provide the most safety for your baby. The cot bed is intended to be used until your child is two years old. After that, it will need to be converted into a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies who are in a sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital aspect as babies can choke if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not particularly mobile, as it takes considerable effort to fold and can be a bit finicky when trying to position the legs into place. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from the place where it is stored.
This luxury wood cot is the perfect option if you're looking for a cot that has all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture can be elevated in design, comfort and function in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery, and can be incorporated into various styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for newborns and provide a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are typically lower than beds. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to co-sleep safely with your infant. It also makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which allows you to use it as a bassinet to create a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life a little easier for parents, such as a handy drawer beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping your essential items close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails at 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 for 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, but it is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies and it's worth your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your infant. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the various options available and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.
When buying a cot there are many things to take into consideration. These include the sides and depth of the cot as well as its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood and if the cot comes with bedding. It is also worth making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery, with plenty of room for movement and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets then you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at a time They also include bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready for bed. Some have a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model that has a bunk bed which can be made into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great solution for parents who are concerned that your child might fall asleep in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child begins to stand. A lot of cot mattresses are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, but there are models made of polyurethane foam as well.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be cot sales cots4totsuk to check the bars too. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards, as they could trap clothing or legs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it can be washed in the machine and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. Also, you'll need to think about whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to buy some special travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of paraphernalia, including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.