How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will be their bed until they reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfy solid and secure.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on market. cots to tots weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost one quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up - the two main poles snap together as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to keep them in place. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to put your feet into them to create the sleep surface.
The only downside is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle and you'll need to be able to lift the legs and it requires some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the lightest frame I've tested.
Take a look at the range of cot beds available on the market if seeking something more durable and long-lasting. They're usually suitable from birth to about 2 years old, so you'll need to purchase one bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.
Some children are content to stay in a cot for more than this, though the majority of them are eager to transition to their first single bed - that can be presented as a "prize for being a big sister or brother!
best cot newborn 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 set up, with no small parts that can be lost, and feels secure enough to keep a toddler in place without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It has multiple support areas, so you can tailor it to meet your child's requirements. This is the only cot we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time and can hold up to 325 lb. This cot is 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families who will need to share space.
One of the things that parents adore about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed and then onto an adult bed, giving it a longer life span and meaning that you won't have to buy another bed. This is a great option for parents with limited budgets, and will save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health professionals since they provide the most safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is around 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies that are in the in a supine position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby is able to roll. This is a crucial feature, as children can choke if their heads are stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold it and can be quite fussy when trying to position the legs in a proper position. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from its storage location.
This premium wood cot is the perfect option if you're searching for a cot with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery and will complement various styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer a safe and secure sleeping environment for your newborn and ensure that they get the sleep they need. The base can be raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are usually lower than beds. Many cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. This allows you to feed your baby at the evening. Some cots offer the option of removing one side completely and allowing you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life easier for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage or keeping your essentials 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. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also extremely practical, with three height settings for the mattress, and being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby has a restful night's sleep. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the ideal cradle or cot for your baby. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the various options available and discuss the options with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has a drop side for petite babies or with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it comes with an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that the crib or cot your baby is using can fit in your bedroom or nursery with enough space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at once They also come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your baby ready for bed. Some also have an end rail which can be removed which allows you to put your baby near you as they sleep. If you have other children, you may prefer a model with a bunk that can be turned into a single bed.
Many cots feature 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 your baby could slip during the night, and it's also useful for when your child is beginning to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made of polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the length of the bars as well, as these should not be more than 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they can trap clothing or limbs.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Check if the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for any removable parts. You should also determine whether your standard cot bedding fits or if you'll need to purchase a specific travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of accessories, 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.