How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's bed until he or is four years old. So you want it to be comfortable solid and secure.
Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, as gaps can pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on market. It weighs just 2.68kg and costs nearly half the price of the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much simpler to set up. cheap cots snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cords to help keep them in place and slide into sleeves attached to their legs. You just need to place your feet in them to set up the sleeping area.
It's not easy to dismantle. You need to be strong to remove the legs and then it's quite a task to remove the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's the most lightweight cot I've tried.
If you want something a little more robust and long-lasting, take an interest in the variety of cot beds on the market. They're usually suitable from birth to about 2 years old, so you'll need to purchase one bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children will remain in the cot longer but the majority will want to move to their first single mattress - as an incentive for being a 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, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it's 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 need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to meet your child's growing needs. It has multiple support areas so you can tailor it to your child's needs. This is the only cot we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time and can hold up to 325 lb. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one baby.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then to a junior bed. This gives it an extended life span and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is crucial for families with tight budgets and could save you money over the long term as your child grows into a young adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds since they provide the most safety for your child. The cot bed is designed to be used up until your child is 2 years. After this, it will have to be changed to a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot we have tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in the in a supine position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll. This is a crucial feature as children may choke if their heads are stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not the most transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold and can be quite finicky when you try to put the legs in a proper position. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and may be a burden to carry around in the event that you have to move it away from the place where it is stored.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, look no further than this deluxe wooden cot. This beautiful piece of furniture will enhance design, comfort and function in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and can blend well with a range of different styles for your child's bedroom when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer the safety and security of a sleeping space for your baby and ensure that they get the rest they require. They are typically lower than beds and the base is adjustable to accommodate your baby's development stage. A lot of cots have a drop-side that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. It also makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots allow the option of taking one side off completely, allowing you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a safer option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that help parents. There is a drawer under the cot which is ideal for storage, rails that protect teething babies and a riser leg which can create an angle that is suitable for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is among our top choices. It's not just stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
It is essential that your child gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the right cot or cradle for your child. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the various options available and discuss the options with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a number of things to consider when buying a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, especially if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery with plenty of 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 even more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once, and they come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your little ones ready to go to bed. A lot of them come with a removable side rail so that you can keep your child close while they sleep. If you have children you might want to look for one with a bunk that can be converted into a single bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's height. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your baby may slip in the night, and is beneficial for the time when your child begins to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made with polyurethane.
It's a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars as well and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from escaping. It is also recommended to avoid cots with solid head and foot boards as they could trap limbs or clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot should also be considered. Make sure the fabric can be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your standard bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll have to purchase special sheets for travel cots.
Nappy costs can quickly increase! bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything organized and easily accessible.