How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will serve as the baby's bed until he or she is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure the mattress is free of any gaps, as these can be a suffocation hazard for babies. Also, look for a cot that is able to convert to a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs just 2.68kg and is priced almost a quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up - the two primary poles snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cords to keep them arranged, then they slide easily into sleeves on their connected legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to make the sleeping area.
It isn't easy to take apart. You must be strong enough to remove the legs, and then it is a bit of work to dismantle the frame. However, that's not a major issue and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something more sturdy and long-lasting, take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth to around 2 years old, which means you'll need a single bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children may stay in the cot longer, however, the majority of children will want to move up to their first single mattress as a reward for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it feels secure enough to keep a toddler in place with no wobbly bits or parts 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 as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit your child's growing needs. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can choose the ideal size for your child's unique requirements. In addition, this is the only cot we test that can 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.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents appreciate. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and then a junior bed. This provides it with a longer lifespan and means you don't need to purchase a new bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds, and will save you money as your child grows.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds since they offer the highest level of security for your child. The cot bed is designed to be used until your child reaches two years old. After that, it will need to be converted to a junior bed or toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital aspect as babies can choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when trying to position the legs. It's also the largest cot on our list and can be quite heavy to carry if you need to move it from its storage area.
This premium wood cot is the perfect choice if you are looking for a cot that comes with all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture will elevate style, comfort and function in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles for your child's bedroom after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for newborns and provide an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are generally lower than beds. A lot of cots have a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your infant. It also makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots even offer the option of removing one of the sides completely which can allow you to use it as a bassinet and provide a safer option to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life easier for
Www.Cots4Tots.Co.Uk parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot that is perfect to store items or keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails that are placed on top of the cot for protection teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also very practical with three height settings for the mattress, and being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It is essential that your child gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for them. If you're struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot 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?
There are a variety of things to consider when buying the cot you want, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has drop sides for small babies or with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. Make sure you check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to make sure it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough room to move around and that it's not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets to help you get your children to bed. Some also have the option of a side rail that can be removed, which allows you to put your child close to you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model that has bunk beds which can be made into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried your baby could slip during the night, and also beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However there are models made from polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards, as they could trap clothing or legs.
Another thing to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. Also, you should determine if your standard bedding for your cot fits, or if you have to purchase a specific travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of toys such as nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding, clothing and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage space. It can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.