How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed, and will be their sleep space until they reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy, sturdy and safe.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps as they could pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a cot that converts to a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on market. cribs beds weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set-up - the two main poles snap together, like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in position. Then, they slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to place your feet on them to set up the sleep surface.
It can be difficult to take apart. It is necessary to be strong to remove the legs, and then it is quite a task to dismantle the frame. It's not a major issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and permanent, then take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market. They're generally suitable from birth until around 2 years old, so you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children are happy to stay in a cot for longer than this, however the majority of them are eager to move on to their first single bed which could 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 easy to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it's solid enough to be able to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for twins who are just born or siblings who will need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot including side rails as well as an slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It has numerous support areas so that you can tailor it to meet your child's requirements. Furthermore, it's the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two babies as big as 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that require space with more than one child.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents love. It can be converted to a toddler's bed and later it can be converted into a junior bed. This provides it with an extended life span and means you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds, and will save you money as your child grows.
Most health experts recommend cot beds as they provide the greatest protection for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is around two years old. They eventually need to be transformed into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are still in the sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby can roll over. This is a crucial feature as children may choke if their heads are stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not particularly mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold it and can be quite finicky when trying to get 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 need to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, you should look no further than this luxurious wooden cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances the look, comfort and function in your living space. It looks beautiful in any nursery, and will complement a variety of different styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for babies and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are typically lower than beds. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your newborn. This also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots also have the option to remove one of the sides completely. This can allow you to use it as a bassinet, and make it a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life easier for parents. These include an under-bed drawer that is perfect to store things in, rails that protect babies with teeth, and an adjustable riser leg that can create a slight angle to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It's not just stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also very practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's sleep. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the ideal cradle or cot for your baby. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the options available and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.
There are a variety of things to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has a removable hood and if it has bedding. Double 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 space to move around and that it is not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once They also come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your child ready to go to bed. Some also have a side rail that can be removed, which allows you to put your child near you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might think about a product that has bunk beds that can be transformed into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried that your baby may slip during the night, and it's also beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made of polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Make sure you check the bars' length too, as these should not be more than 6.5cm apart to keep your child from escaping. Avoid cots that have solid foot 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's machine washable and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. You should also determine if your standard cot bedding fits or if you have to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of accessories, including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage. It can assist you organize everything and easily accessible.