How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's sleeping place until he or is four years old. So you want it to be comfy solid and secure.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a cot that converts into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set up - the two main poles snap together, as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to keep them in position. They then are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You simply need to put your feet into them to set up the sleeping surface.
It can be difficult to disassemble. It is necessary to be strong to remove the legs, and then it is quite a task to dismantle the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I'm convinced that it's the lightest cot that I've ever tested.
Take a look at the cot bed range on the market if you're looking for something that is more durable and permanent. They're typically 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 may stay in the cot longer but the majority will want to move up to their first single mattress - as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also simple to install, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it feels secure enough to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who need to sleep together. It has the same security features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can find the right fit for your child's unique requirements. This is the only cot that we tested that is 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 who will need to share space with more than one baby.
This cot has a great feature that parents love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then it can be converted into a junior bed. This will give it an extended life span and means that you don't need to purchase a new bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget, and will save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option of most health experts since they provide the best safety for your baby. The cot bed is intended to be used until your child reaches the age of 2 years. After that, it needs to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll over. This is an important feature as children may choke if their heads become trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold and can be a hassle to get the legs into place. It's also the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry when you have to transport it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, then take a look at this luxury wood cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that elevates the look, comfort and function in your living room. It looks stunning in any nursery, and will blend with many different styles for bedrooms for children once your baby grows out of it.
top rated cots provide an ensconced and safe sleeping space for your baby, ensuring that they get the sleep they require. They are typically lower than beds and the base is capable of being raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. This also allows you to feed your baby at the evening. cribs beds offer the option of removing one of the sides completely. This allows you to use it as a bassinet, and make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life easier for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping your essential items close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top of the cot to protect teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It's not just stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also very practical, with three different height settings for the mattress.
It's important that your baby has a restful night's sleep. Therefore, it's worth your time to find the best cradle or cot for your baby. If you're struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is ideal for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a qualified group leader and other parents who are new?
There are many things to consider when buying a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. It is also worth checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery with enough room for movement and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots can hold four babies at once and come with bedding sets to aid in getting your kids ready for bed. Some also have an end rail that can be removed to allow you to place your child close to you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may consider models with a bunk that can be transformed into one bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit your baby's height. This is a great option for parents who are concerned that your child might fall asleep at night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, however there are models made of polyurethane foam too.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars' length too as they should not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your child from escaping. It is also recommended to be wary of cots that have solid foot and head boards because they can hold limbs or clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to also be considered. Find out if the fabric is able to be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll need to purchase special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of toys, including nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It can assist you organize everything and easily accessible.