How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed, and will be their bed until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Check that the mattress is free of gaps as they could pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on market. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost one quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set up - the two poles are able to connect like unusually bulky tent poles complete with shock cords to keep them in order and then slide into sleeves that fit on their legs and you just have to put your feet on them to make the sleeping surface.
It's not easy to disassemble. It is necessary to be strong enough to remove the legs and then it's an effort to take apart the frame. However, that's best cots for newborns and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've ever tested.
Look at the cot bed options available that is available if you're looking for something that is more robust and long-lasting. If you opt for this option, you will need to purchase a separate bed for your child once they reach a few years.
Some children are content to stay in a cot for more than this, but the majority of them are eager to transition to their first single bed that can be presented as a 'prize for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, providing a great night's rest on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it's solid enough to be able to hold a toddler without any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It also has multiple support areas, so you can choose the perfect fit for your child's unique needs. In addition, this is the only cot we test that can accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies up to 325 lb. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who require space with more than one baby.
One of the things that parents appreciate about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and later into the junior bed, which gives it an extended lifespan and means that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is great for those with limited budgets, and will save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option for a lot of health experts as they offer the highest level of security for your baby. The crib is designed to be used until your child reaches the age of two years old. After this, it will have to be changed to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot 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 vital aspect as babies can choke if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a challenge to get the legs into position. It's also the largest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry if you have to move it from the storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, take a look at this luxury wooden cot. This stunning piece of furniture will enhance design, comfort and function in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and will blend well with different styles for your child's bedroom when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for babies and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are usually lower than beds. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to co-sleep safely with your newborn. It also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely and allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a safer alternative than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a drawer under the cot which is ideal for storage, rails to protect teething babies and a riser leg which can create an angle that can be used for 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 super practical with three levels of height for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is vital for all babies, so it's worth spending your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your infant. If you're struggling to determine what kind of crib or cot is ideal for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a certified group leader and other new parents?
There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with an opening for a drop side for smaller babies or health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it comes with an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. It is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets then you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets that aid in getting your kids up and ready for bed. Many also feature the option of a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your baby near you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might think about a product with bunk beds which can be made into a single.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to fit the size of your baby. This can be a good option if you're worried your baby could slip during the night, and is beneficial for the time when your child begins to stand. Some mattress for cots are made of natural materials like wool or cotton. However there are models made of polyurethane.
It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They shouldn't be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they can entrap clothing or legs.
The ease of cleaning the cot must be considered. Check if the fabric can be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for removable parts. You'll also want to check whether your cot bedding fits or if you have to purchase some special travel cot sheet.
The cost of a diaper can quickly go up! Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.