How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their bed until they are around four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of any gaps, as they could pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg, and costs almost half the price of the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to hold them in position. Then, they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to place your feet on them to set up the sleeping surface.
The only negative is that it's a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be able to lift the legs and then it can take some effort to take apart the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tried.
Check out the cot bed range on the market if you're looking for something that is more durable and permanent. They're typically suitable from birth to around 2 years old, which means you'll need to purchase a single bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children are happy to stay in a cot for longer than this, however most want to move on to their first single bed that can be presented as a 'prize' for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, allowing a good night's rest on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it's solid enough to be able to keep a toddler in place without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It has the same safety features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to fit your child's changing needs. It also has multiple support areas, which means you can dial in the ideal size for your child's needs. In addition, this is the only cot that we test that can accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two babies as big as 325 lb. This cot is 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families that require space sharing.
This cot has a great feature that parents appreciate. It can be converted into a toddler's bed and later a junior bed. This provides it with a longer lifespan 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 in the long run as your child develops into an adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds since they provide the most security for your child. The cot bed is designed to be used until your child is two years old. After that, it will need to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is an important feature as children may choke if their heads get stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not very mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold and can be a bit finicky when trying to position 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 need to move it from the storage area.
This deluxe wood cot is a great choice if you are looking for a cot that comes with all the features. best cots uk of furniture will elevate style, comfort and function in your living space. It also looks stunning in any nursery and blends well with a range of different styles for your child's bedroom when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for infants and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your baby gets the sleep they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are generally lower than beds. Some cots come with a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby and makes it easier for night time feedings. Some cots have the option to remove one of the sides completely which could allow you to use it as a bassinet to make it 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 ideal to store items or keep your essential items close to 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 incline for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also very practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies and it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your infant. If cots to tots are struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is ideal for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a trained group leader and other new parents?
There are many aspects to consider when buying a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with a drop side for petite babies or with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it has a removable hood and if it comes with bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to ensure that it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there is enough room to move around and that it is not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets you'll require a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once and come with bedding sets to make it easier to get your children ready for bed. They also come with a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your child close to you as they sleep. If you have children You may prefer models with a bunk bed that can be transformed into an individual bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried that your newborn might slip down at night, and also beneficial for when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, however there are models that make use of polyurethane foam too.
It is a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too, as these should not be more than 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could trap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot must also be considered. Find out if the fabric is able to be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of toys, including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage. It can assist you organize everything and easily accessible.