How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their sleep space until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be an suffocation hazard for infants. Also consider a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg and is priced almost one quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much simpler to set up. The two primary poles snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cord to keep them arranged, then they slide easily into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to put your feet on them to make the sleeping area.
The only negative is that it's difficult to take apart it - you have to be really strong to lift the legs and then it takes some effort to take apart the frame itself. But that's a minor complaint and it's the most lightweight cot I've tried.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and permanent, then take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. If Best cot for newborn opt for this option, you will need to purchase a separate bed for your child once they reach several years.
Some children are content to remain in a cot for more than this, but the majority of them are eager to get their first single bed which can be presented as a "prize 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, has no small parts to get lost, and is sturdy enough to hold a child without worrying about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It comes with numerous support areas so that you can tailor it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at one time, as it can hold up to 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one baby.
This cot has a great feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and later to a junior bed. This will give it longevity and means you don't have to purchase a second bed. This is essential for parents 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 preferred sleeping option of most health professionals since they provide the most safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches two years old. They eventually need to be transformed into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with 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 over. This is a crucial feature because children could choke if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to fold and can be difficult to get the legs in position. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed and may be a burden to carry around in the event that you have to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, take a look at this luxury wood cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture will enhance design, comfort and function in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery, and will blend with various styles for bedrooms for children after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specially designed for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. They are typically lower than beds and the base is capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to co-sleep safely with your infant. This makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots even offer the option of removing one of the sides completely. This can allow 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 simplify life for parents, such as a handy drawer beneath the cot, which is great to store items or keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top of the cot for protection infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It's not just elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.
Sleeping well is essential for all babies therefore it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your baby. If you're struggling to decide what type of cot or crib is ideal for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a qualified group leader and other parents who are new?
There are a number of things to consider when buying the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has a removable hood and if it has bedding. It is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-1 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once and include bedding sets that help you get your kids to bed. Some have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model with a bunk bed which can be made into a single.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This is a great option if you're worried that your newborn might slip down in the night, and also useful for the time when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, but there are some that use polyurethane foam as well.
It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from climbing out. It is also recommended to avoid cots that have solid head and foot boards, as these can hold limbs or clothing.
Another important consideration is how easy it is to clean. Check if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. You'll also want to check whether your cot bedding fits or if you have to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of a diaper can quickly go 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.