How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will serve as their bed until they are around four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy sturdy, safe and sturdy.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs just 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set up - the two primary poles snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cord to keep them arranged and then slide into sleeves on their connected legs. You just need to place your feet in them to create the sleeping area.
The only negative is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle and you'll need to be extremely strong to pull out the legs and it can take some effort to take apart the frame. However, that's not a major issue and it's the most lightweight cot I've tried.
Look at the cot bed range on the market if you're looking for something that is more robust and long-lasting. They're usually suitable from birth to around 2 years old, which means you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children are content to remain in a cot longer than this, however most are keen to move on to their first single bed that can be presented as a "prize' for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble, has no small parts 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 need to sleep together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It has multiple support areas so you can personalize it to meet your child's requirements. Furthermore, it's the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two babies up to 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families who require space sharing.
A great feature that many parents appreciate 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 ensuring that you don'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.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds because they offer the highest level of safety for your child. The crib is intended to be used until your child reaches the age of 2 years. After that, it needs to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby is able to roll. This is a crucial aspect as babies can choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be difficult to get the legs in place. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and may be a burden to carry around in the event that you have to move it from its storage location.
This luxury wooden cot is the ideal choice if you are looking for a cot that comes with all the features. This beautiful piece of furniture can be elevated in design, comfort and function in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and will blend well with different styles of bedrooms for kids once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet your baby's development stage. They are typically lower than beds. Some cots come with drop sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn and makes it easier for night time feedings. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which could allow you to use it as a bassinet to make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify the lives of parents. These include a drawer under the cot which is ideal for storage, rails that safeguard babies who are teething, and a riser leg which can create a slight angle to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, and being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby cots on sale gets a good night's sleep. Therefore, it's worth your time to find the right cot or cradle for your baby. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the options available and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as 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 adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure the crib or cot your baby is using can fit in your bedroom or nursery with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at a time They include bedding sets that make it simple to get your little ones ready to go to bed. They also come with an end rail that can be removed, so you can place your baby near you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model that has a bunk bed which can be made into a single.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's size. This is a great option to consider if you're worried that your baby might fall asleep in the night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, however you can find models that make use of polyurethane foam as well.
Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from escaping. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards as they could trap clothing or legs.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be taken into consideration. Check if the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to buy some special sheets for travel cots.
Babies require a lot of paraphernalia such as nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.