How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed and will be their sleep space until they reach around four years old. So you want it to be comfortable sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Check that the mattress is free of any gaps, as they could pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a cot that converts into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two primary poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles with shock cords to keep them in order, then they slide easily into sleeves attached to their legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to make the sleeping surface.
The only downside is that it can be difficult to remove and you'll need to be able to lift the legs, and then it requires some effort to remove the frame itself. It's a minor issue and I'm convinced that it's the lightest cot I've ever tried.
Take a look at the cot bed options available on the market if you're looking for something more robust and long-lasting. They're typically suitable from birth until around 2 years old, which means you'll need one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot for more than this, though 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 children, offering a wonderful night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and has no small pieces to get lost, and is sturdy enough to hold children without worry about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that require sleeping together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas, so you can dial in the right fit for your child's unique requirements. This is the only cot we tested that can accommodate two infants at a time because it can support up to 325 lbs. and 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families who will need to share space with more than one child.
A great feature that many parents appreciate about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed, and then into an adult bed, giving it a longer life span and means that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is a great option for parents who have a tight budget and can save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health professionals since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. The cot bed is intended to be used until your child is 2 years. After that, it will need to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we 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 can roll over. This is a crucial feature as children may choke if their heads are trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires considerable effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when trying to get the legs into place. Also, it is the largest cot we've reviewed and may be a burden to carry around in the event that you need to move it far from the place where it is stored.
This luxury wooden cot is the ideal option if you're searching for a cot with all the features. This gorgeous piece of furniture will elevate design, comfort and function in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and can 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 and ensure that they get the sleep they require. They are usually lower than beds and the base is capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. Some cots come with a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely, allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a safer option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life easier for parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot which is ideal for storage, rails that protect babies with teeth and a riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also super practical with three different heights for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
best crib newborn is crucial that your baby gets a good night's rest. Therefore, it's worth your time to find the right cot or cradle for them. If you're trying to figure out what kind of cot or crib is the best option for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a qualified group leader and other parents who are new?
When purchasing a cot, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. These include the dimensions of the cot's sides and depth and storage capacity, if the cot has a removable hood, and if the cot has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of room for movement and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets to aid in getting your children ready for bed. They also come with the option of a side rail which can be removed to allow you to place your child near you while they sleep. If you have children, you may consider one with a bunk that can be converted into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's size. This is a great option for parents who are concerned that your baby might fall asleep at 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, you can also find models made from polyurethane.
It's a good idea choose a cot with mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They shouldn't be more than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards as they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be considered. Make sure the fabric can be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for removable parts. You'll also want to check whether your bedding for your cot fits, or if you need to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of toys such as nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It can help you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.