How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps as they could pose a suffocation hazard for babies. Also consider an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options available on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg and is priced almost half the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two primary poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles, with shock cords to keep them arranged and slide into sleeves that fit on their legs and you just have to put your feet on them to create the sleeping surface.
It isn't easy to dismantle. You need to be strong enough to pull the legs out, and then it is a bit of work to dismantle the frame. It's a minor issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something stronger and permanent, then take an examination of the various models of cot beds available on the market. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years old, so you'll need one bed for your child at some point if you opt for this option.
Some children are content to remain in a cot for longer than this, though most are keen to transition to their first single bed - which could be presented as a "prize for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it feels safe enough to keep a toddler in place without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for newborn twins or siblings who want to share a bed. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It also comes with multiple support areas, so you can dial in the perfect fit to meet your child's specific needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time because it can support up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one child.
A great feature that many parents love about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and then into the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy a new bed. This is important for those on tight budgets and can save you money in the future as your baby grows into an adult.
Most health experts recommend cot beds because they offer the highest level of safety for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is around two years old. They eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested that has an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby is able to roll over. This is an essential aspect as babies can choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not particularly portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold it and can be a bit finicky when you try to put the legs into place. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed and can be quite heavy to carry if you have to transport it from its storage area.
This deluxe wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot with all the features. 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 complement many different designs for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your newborn and ensure that they get the sleep they require. They are usually smaller than beds and have a base that is capable of being raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. A lot of cots have an opening that allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn and makes it easier for night time feeds. Some cots allow the option of taking one side off completely, allowing you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that simplify the lives of parents. There is a drawer under the cot which is ideal for storage, rails that protect babies with teeth and an adjustable riser leg that can create a slight angle 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 also very practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies, so it's worth spending the time finding the right cot or crib for your newborn. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the available options and discuss the options with other parents and an experienced group leader.
When buying a cot there are a variety of factors to take into account. These include the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth as well as its storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood, and if the cot comes with bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to ensure that it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there's enough room to move around and that it is not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets then you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at a time, and they include bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready to go to bed. Some have a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model that has a bunk bed that can be transformed into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit your baby's height. This is a great idea for parents who are concerned that your child could fall down at night. It's also a great option when your child is beginning to stand up. Many cot mattresses are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, however there are some that use polyurethane foam too.
Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They shouldn't be more than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid via with solid foot and head boards, as they can entrap clothing or limbs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure it can be washed in the machine and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your existing bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll have to purchase specialized sheets for travel cots.
Nappy costs can quickly increase! bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.