How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until she is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps as they could pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also consider an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on market. It weighs just 2.68kg and costs nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier 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 that rest on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet in them to create the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it's a little tricky to dismantle and you'll need to be really strong to lift the legs and it requires some effort to remove the frame. It's not a major issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and long-lasting, take an examination of the various models of cot beds available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth to around 2 years old, so you'll need one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children prefer to remain in a cot for more than this, though most want to get their first single bed - that can be presented as a 'prize' for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller kids, allowing a good night's sleep over any type of ground including hard surfaces. It's also simple to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it feels secure enough to hold a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins who are just born or siblings who want to sleep close together. It comes with 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 perfect fit to meet your child's specific requirements. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at a time, as it can hold up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families that require space with more than one child.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and then to a junior bed. This gives it an extended life span and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is crucial for families who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the future as your baby grows into a young adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts since they provide the best safety for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used until your child reaches the age of two years old. After this, it will have to be converted into a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting from birth and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is a vital aspect as babies can choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not the most mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when trying to get the legs in a proper position. Also, it is the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, you should look no further than this luxurious wooden cot. This stunning piece of furniture will elevate the look, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery, and can be incorporated into various styles for kids' bedrooms after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for newborns and provide a safe sleeping space to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually smaller than beds and have a base that is able to be raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your baby and makes it easier to take nighttime feedings. Some cots allow the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that can make life a little easier for parents, such as a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect for storage or keeping your essential items close to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot for protection teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots 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 height settings for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It is essential that your child has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for them. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the available options and discuss these with other parents as well as a qualified group leader.
When purchasing a cot, there are a variety of factors to consider. These include the cot's depth and sides, its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood, and if the cot has bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to make sure it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there's enough space for your baby to move about and that it's not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets to make it easier to get your children to bed. Some also have an end rail which can be removed which allows you to put your child close to you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may think about a product that has a bunk bed which can be made into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great idea to consider if you're worried that your baby might fall asleep at night. It's an excellent idea when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed from natural materials like cotton or wool, but there are models that use polyurethane foam too.
It's a good idea choose a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars too as they should not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from climbing out. Also, avoid cots that have solid head and foot boards as they could trap limbs or clothing.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure it can be washed in the machine and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. You should also determine if your standard cot bedding fits or if you have to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of paraphernalia, including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot with storage space, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.