How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their sleep space until they are around four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also consider an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. best cots 's also much easier to set up - the two main poles snap together, like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to hold them in place. They then slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their linked legs. It's all you have to do is place your feet on them to set up the sleep surface.
It isn't easy to dismantle. It is necessary to be strong to take the legs off, and then it is an effort to remove the frame. However, that's not a major issue and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds available on the market. If you decide to go with this option, you'll need to buy a new bed for your child after a few years.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot for longer than this, but most are keen to transition to their first single bed which can be presented as a "prize for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, providing a great night's sleep over any type of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also simple to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and feels solid enough to be able to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot including side rails as well as a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas, so you can choose the ideal size to meet your child's specific needs. Moreover, this is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 pounds. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one child.
A great feature that many parents adore about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and later into the junior bed, which gives it an extended lifespan and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is essential for parents on tight budgets and can save you money in the long run as your child grows into an adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health professionals since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. top ranked cribs are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches 2 years old. They will eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies who 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 suffocate if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
This cot's only downside is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be a challenge to put the legs in position. It's also the biggest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry when you have to transport it from its storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then take a look at this luxurious wooden cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances style, comfort and functionality in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery and will blend with a variety of different styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your newborn and ensure that they get the sleep they require. They are typically lower than beds and have a base that is capable of being raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn and makes it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots offer the option of removing one of the sides completely. This can allow you to use it as a bassinet, and provide a safer option to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that simplify life for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails that are placed on top of the cot to safeguard teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
Having good quality sleep is crucial for all babies and it's worth the time finding the right cot or crib for your baby. 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.
There are a number of things to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it comes with a removable hood and if it has bedding. It is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that the crib or cot your baby is using can fit in your bedroom or nursery, with plenty of room for movement and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins you'll require a quadruple cot. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and come with bedding sets to make it easier to get your children ready for bed. A lot of them have a side rail to keep your child close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may think about a product that has bunk beds that can be transformed into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This is a great option if you're worried that your baby could slip in the night, and it's also beneficial for when your child starts to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made from polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars' length too, as these should not be more than 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from escaping. It is also recommended to be wary of cots that have feet and head boards that are solid as they could trap limbs or clothing.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean. Check if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any removable parts. You should also determine if your standard bedding for a cot is suitable or if you'll need to purchase a special travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of toys including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) bedding clothes and other toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to organize everything neatly and easily accessible.