How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until he or is four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Check it has a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be the risk of suffocation for infants. Also, look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set up - the two main poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles with shock cords to help keep them in place, then they slide easily into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to create the sleeping surface.
The only downside is that it's difficult to take apart and you'll need to be really strong to lift the legs and then it takes some effort to remove the frame itself. But that's a minor complaint and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've tested.
Look at the range of cot beds available on the market if you're looking for something more durable and permanent. If you opt for this option, you will need to purchase a separate bed for your child once they reach several years.
Some children will stay in the cot longer but the majority will want to go to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and doesn't have any small pieces to break, and is solid enough to support the child's weight without worrying about unstable parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It comes with the same security features as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to suit your child's changing needs. It comes with multiple support areas, so you can personalize it to your child's needs. Moreover, this is the only cot that we tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two infants up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families who need to share space.
A great feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and later into a junior bed, giving it an extended lifespan 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 health professionals recommend cot beds because they provide the most security for your child. The crib is designed to be used up until your child reaches the age of two years old. After this, it will have to be converted to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is an essential feature as children can suffocate if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be a challenge to put the legs in place. It's also 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 the storage area.
This luxury wood cot is the perfect option if you're looking for a cot that comes with all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture can be elevated in the look, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery and will complement a variety of different styles for kids' bedrooms once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping space for your baby and ensure that they get the rest they need. The base can be raised to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are usually lower than beds. Some cots come with drop sides that allow you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your baby and makes it easier for night time feeds. Some cots allow the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that can simplify life for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping your essential items close at hand, anti-bite rails that are placed on top of the cot for protection infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline to help reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also super practical with three different heights for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is essential for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your infant. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the available options and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.
When buying a cot there are a variety of factors to take into account. These include the cot's depth and sides as well as its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if it includes bedding. Make sure you check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to ensure that it is suitable for your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough space to move around and that it is not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are built to accommodate up to four babies at one time They come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your child ready to go to bed. Many have a removable side rail to keep your baby close as they sleep. If you have other children, you may prefer models with a bunk that can be converted into an individual bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried your baby could slip at night, and it's also beneficial for when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, however there are models that use polyurethane foam, too.
cot beds for sale is a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they can trap clothing or legs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. Also, you should determine whether your bedding for your cot fits, or if you need to purchase a specific travel cot sheet.
The cost of a diaper can quickly add up! Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage. It can help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.