How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will serve as their sleep space until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.
Check it has gaps-free mattresses, as gaps can pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also, look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on market. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much simpler to set up. The two poles are able to snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cords to keep them in order and slide into sleeves attached to their legs. All you have to do is to place your feet inside them to make the sleeping area.
The only downside is that it's difficult to remove it - you have to be really strong to pull out the legs and then it takes some effort to remove the frame itself. It's a minor issue, and I think it's the lightest frame I've tested.
Check out the cot bed options available on the market if you're looking for something more durable and long-lasting. They're usually suitable from birth until around 2 years, so you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children prefer to remain in a cot for more than this, but most want to get their first single bed - which could be presented as a "prize' for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller kids, providing a great night's sleep on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no small pieces that could be lost, and feels solid enough to be able to keep a toddler in place without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who want to sleep close together. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to fit your child's changing needs. It also has multiple support areas, so you can find the right fit for your child's needs. Moreover, this is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once and can accommodate two babies as big as 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families that will need to share space.
One feature that many parents adore about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and then onto an adult bed, giving it a longer lifespan and means that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is important for those with tight budgets and could save you money over the long term as your child develops into an adult.
Cot beds are the preferred sleep option for the majority of health experts as they offer the highest level of security for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is around 2 years old and will then need to be converted into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies that are in the sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not the most mobile, as it takes a large amount of effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when trying to position the legs into place. Also, it is the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it far from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, look no further than this deluxe wood cot. This beautiful piece of furniture can be elevated in style, comfort and function in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different kid's bedroom styles after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping space for your baby to ensure they get the sleep they need. They are usually smaller than beds and the base is adjustable to suit your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep safely with your baby. It also allows you to feed your baby at night. Some cots allow the option of taking one side off completely, allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage, rails that safeguard babies who are teething and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also very practical with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is crucial for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your newborn. If you are struggling to decide what type of cot or crib is best for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a trained group instructor and other new parents?
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has drop sides for small babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has a removable hood and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of space to move around and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting triplets or twins you'll require a quadruple cot. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets that aid in getting your kids up and ready for bed. Many have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you while they sleep. If you have children you might consider a model with a bunk bed that can be turned into one bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great solution to consider if you're worried that your child could fall asleep in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child starts to stand up. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However there are models made of polyurethane.
It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby from escaping. Avoid best cots uk that have solid foot and head boards, as they can entrap clothing or legs.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be taken into consideration. Check if it can be washed in the machine and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. Also, you'll need to think about whether your existing bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll need to purchase special sheets for travel cots.
Babies require a lot of accessories including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.