How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will serve as the baby's bed until she is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure that the mattress is free of any gaps, as they could pose a suffocation hazard for babies. Also, look for a cot that is able to convert into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of 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 poles are able to snap together like abnormally burly tent poles complete with shock cord to help keep them in place and then slide into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to put your feet on them to make the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be able to pull out the legs, and then it can take some effort to remove the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's definitely the best lightweight cot I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and permanent, then take an examination of the various models of cot beds available on the market. If you opt for this option, you'll need to buy a new bed for your child once they reach a few years.
Some children are happy to stay in a cot for longer than this, though most want to get their first single bed which can be presented as a "prize' for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, providing a great night's sleep on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small parts that can be lost, and it's safe enough to keep a toddler in place without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It offers the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It also comes with numerous support areas, so you can choose the perfect fit to meet your child's specific needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at once and can hold up to 325 lb. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one child.
One of the things that parents adore about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed and later into an adult bed, giving it a longer lifespan and meaning that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is crucial for families on tight budgets and can save you money in the long run as your child grows into an adult.
Most health experts recommend cot beds since they provide the greatest protection for your child. The crib is designed to be used up until your child reaches two years old. After that, it needs to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby is able to roll over. 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 can be difficult to fold and can be a challenge to get the legs in the right position. It's also the biggest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry when you have to move it from its storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, then you should look no further than this luxury wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living space. It looks beautiful in any nursery and can be incorporated into various designs for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your newborn to ensure they get the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds and the base is capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. It also makes it easier to feed at the night. Some cots have the option of removing a side completely which allows you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a safer option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can simplify life for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage or to keep your essential items close to hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot to protect infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also super practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies and it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your baby. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the options available and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has drop sides for small babies or with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it comes with an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. Make sure you check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to ensure that it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there is enough room 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 a time They also include bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready to go to bed. Some come with a removable side rail so that you can keep your child close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might think about a product that has bunk beds that can be converted into one.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to suit your baby's height. This is a great option to consider if you're worried that your child might be prone to falling down at night. online cots 's also a great option when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, but there are some made of polyurethane foam, too.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They shouldn't be more than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they can trap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot should also be considered. Check if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. You'll also want to check if your standard bedding for your cot fits, or if you need to purchase a special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of accessories, including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothes and other toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.