How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's sleeping place until he or she is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps, as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a cot that can be converted into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up - the two poles are able to snap together like abnormally burly tent poles, with shock cords to keep them arranged and then slide into sleeves attached to their legs and you just have to place your feet in them to make the sleeping surface.
It's not easy to take apart. You must be strong to take the legs off and then it's a bit of work to take apart the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I'm convinced that it's the most lightweight frame I've tested.
Take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market if looking for something more durable and permanent. If you opt for this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child after some time.
Some children prefer to stay in a cot for more than this, but the majority of them are eager to get their first single bed which could be presented as a "prize for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, providing a great night's sleep over any type of ground, including hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and doesn't have any small pieces to get lost, and is solid enough to support the child's weight without worrying about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can dial in the perfect fit for your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time, as it can hold up to 325 lbs. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one baby.
One feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed and later into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy another bed. This is a great option for parents with limited budgets and will save money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of protection for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches two years old. They 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 ideal for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is an essential feature as children can suffocate if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it can be difficult to fold and can be difficult to get the legs into position. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you need to move it from its storage location.
This deluxe wood cot is the perfect choice if you are looking for a cot that has all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds the look, comfort and function in your living space. It looks beautiful in any nursery and can be incorporated into a variety of different styles for bedrooms for children when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for infants and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure your baby gets the sleep they need. most recommended cribs are usually lower than beds, with the base being capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. Many cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep safely with your infant. It also makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely and allowing you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify the lives of parents. These include a drawer under the cot which is ideal to store things in, rails that protect babies with teeth, and a riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It's not just elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also very practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
Having good quality sleep is essential for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your baby. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the options available and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
When purchasing a cot, there are a variety of factors to take into account. These include the cot's depth and sides, its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood and if it has bedding. Make sure you check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to make sure it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough space for your baby to move about and that it is not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate up to four babies at one time They also include bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready for bed. Some also have a side rail that can be removed so you can place your child close to you while they rest. If you have other children You may want to look for models with a bunk that can be transformed into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried that your baby may slip in the night, and it's also beneficial the time when your child begins to stand. A lot of cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, however there are some that make use of polyurethane foam, too.
It's a good idea to choose a cot with 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 larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards, as they can trap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be considered. Make sure it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. You'll also need to consider whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need to purchase special travel cot sheets.
Nappy costs can quickly go up! Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to organize everything neatly and easily accessible.