How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant'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 it has gaps-free mattresses, as gaps can pose an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set up. The two primary poles snap together like unusually large tent poles complete with shock cords to help keep them in place, then they slide easily into sleeves that fit on their legs and you just have to place your feet inside them to set up the sleeping surface.
It can be difficult to disassemble. You must be strong to take the legs off, and then it is quite a task to dismantle the frame. But that's a minor complaint and it's the most lightweight cot I've tried.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. 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 may stay in the cot longer but most will want to move up to their first single mattress as a reward for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no small pieces that could be lost, and it feels solid enough to be able to be held by a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for newborn twins or siblings who want to share a bed. It offers the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also comes with numerous support areas, so you can choose the ideal size for your child's unique requirements. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at once and can hold up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families who need to share space.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents are sure to love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and later a junior bed. This gives it an extended life span and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families with limited funds and will save money as your child grows.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of security for your child. The crib is designed to be used up until your child is two years old. After that, it will need to be changed to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in the sitting position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate 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 a challenge to get the legs in the right position. It is also the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry when you need to move it from its storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, then look no further than this luxury wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery, and will complement a variety of different styles for kids' bedrooms after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your newborn to ensure they get the sleep they require. They are usually smaller than beds and have a base that is able to be raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep safely with your newborn. It also allows you to feed your baby at night. Some cots have the option of taking one side off completely which allows you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life easier for parents. Best cot for newborn include a drawer under the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to protect teething babies, and a riser leg which can create an angle that is suitable to help reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies, so it's worth spending the time to find the perfect crib or cot for your infant. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the available options and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are many things to consider when buying a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has a drop side for petite babies or health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's crib or cot will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough room for movement and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots are designed to accommodate up to four babies at one time They include bedding sets that make it simple to get your little ones ready for bed. Some also have an end rail which can be removed so you can place your child close to you while they rest. If you have children, you may prefer one with a bunk that can be turned into a single bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet your baby's height. This is a great option to consider if you're worried that your baby might fall down in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child starts to stand. Best cot for newborn are constructed from natural materials like cotton or wool, but there are some that make use of polyurethane foam too.
It's a good idea pick a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards, as they could trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for any removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your standard bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of paraphernalia including nappies (which can quickly add up!) Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage. It can assist you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.