How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's sleeping place until he or attains the age of four. 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 consider a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set-up - the two main poles snap together, like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to keep them in place. Then they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their connected legs. It's all you have to do is put your feet in them to create the sleeping surface.
The only negative is that it's difficult to take apart - you need to be able to lift the legs and then it requires some effort to remove the frame. cribs 's only a minor complaint, and I think it's the lightest cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. If you choose this option, you'll need to buy a new bed for your child after some time.
Some children are happy to stay in a cot longer than this, but most are keen 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 provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small pieces that could 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 great for twins who are just born or siblings who want to sleep close together. It has the same safety features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to meet your child's changing needs. It has multiple support areas so you can customize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at once because it can support up to 325 lbs. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one baby.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents are sure to love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and later to a junior bed. This gives it an extended life span and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is crucial for families who are on a tight budget and will save you money in the long run as your baby grows into an adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option of most health experts as they offer the most safety for your baby. The bed is designed to be used up until your child is two years old. After that, it needs to be changed to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies that are in a sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll. This is a crucial feature, as children can choke if their heads become stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not the most mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold it and can be quite fussy when trying to get the legs into place. Also, it is the largest cot we've reviewed and may be a burden to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from its storage location.
This luxury wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that has all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds style, comfort and functionality in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. The base can be raised to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are usually lower than beds. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to co-sleep safely with your newborn. It also allows you to feed your baby at the evening. Some cots even offer the option of removing one of the sides completely. This allows you to use it as a bassinet to make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can make life easier for parents, like an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot, which is great for storage or to keep your essential items close at hand, anti-bite rails at the top of the cot for protection teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our top 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 extremely practical, with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's rest. So, it is worth the time to find the right cot or cradle for your child. If you are trying to figure out what kind of cot or crib is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a trained group leader and other parents who are new?
When purchasing a cot, there are a variety of factors to consider. These include the cot's depth and sides as well as its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood and if the cot comes with bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to ensure that it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough space to move around and that it is not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one 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 easy to get your child ready to go to bed. They also come with the option of a side rail that can be removed, to allow you to place your child close to you while they sleep. If you have children you might consider one with a bunk bed that can be turned into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This is a great idea if you are worried that your child might fall asleep in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child starts to stand. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but you can find models that use polyurethane foam too.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your child from escaping. Also, avoid cots with solid foot and head boards, as these can trap limbs or clothing.
Another important consideration is how easy it is to clean. Find out if the fabric is able to be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need to buy some special travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of toys such as nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding clothes and other toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.