How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their bed until they reach around four years old. So you want it to be comfortable sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Make sure it is a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for a cot that converts to a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tried. 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 position. Then, they slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet in them to set up the sleeping surface.
It can be difficult to disassemble. You must be strong enough to remove the legs, and then it is an effort to dismantle the frame. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the most lightweight cot I've ever tried.
Take a look at the cot bed options available that is available if you're looking for something that is more durable and permanent. They're generally suitable from birth to around 2 years old, so you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children are happy to stay in a cot longer than this, but the majority of them are eager to move on to their first single bed - which can be presented as a "prize for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It is simple to put together, has no small parts to get lost, and is solid enough to support children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to suit your child's growing needs. It comes with multiple support areas so you can personalize it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested designed to accommodate two infants at once because it can support up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one baby.
A great feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and later into a junior bed, giving it a longer life span and meaning that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget, and will save you money as your child grows.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds as they provide the greatest protection for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is approximately two years old. They eventually need to be transformed into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested that has 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 when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
This cot's only downside is that it can be difficult to fold and can be difficult to put the legs in the right position. It is also the largest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry if you need to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, take a look at this deluxe wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds the look, comfort and function in your living space. It looks stunning in any nursery, and will complement a variety of different styles for kids' bedrooms after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your infant and ensure that they get the rest they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are generally lower than beds. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. This 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 to create a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can simplify life for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great to store items or keep 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 incline to help reflux babies. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also super practical with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is vital for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your newborn. If you are struggling to determine what kind of cot or crib is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a certified group instructor and other new parents?
When you are buying a cot, there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. These include the sides and depth of the cot and storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood, and if it has bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery, with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots are designed to accommodate up to four babies at one time They also come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready for bed. Some also have the option of a side rail that can be removed, to allow you to place your child near you while they rest. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model that has a bunk bed 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 idea to consider if you're worried that your child could be prone to falling down in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child is beginning to stand up. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, however you can find models that use polyurethane foam too.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Make sure you check the length of the bars as well and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards as they can trap clothing or limbs.
Another thing to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if hop over to here is able to be machine washed and the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you should determine whether your cot bedding fits or if you have to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of accessories including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to organize everything neatly and easily accessible.