How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will be the baby's bed until he or attains the age of four. So you want it to be comfy, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of any gaps, as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a cot that is able to convert into an infant 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 tested. It's also much easier to set up - the two main poles snap together like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to hold them in position. Then they are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You simply need to put your feet in them to create the sleep surface.
It can be difficult to disassemble. You must be strong to pull the legs out and then it's quite a task to take apart the frame. It's a minor issue and I'm convinced that it's the most lightweight frame I've tested.
Look at the range of cot beds available on the market if you're seeking something more durable and permanent. They're generally suitable from birth to around 2 years old, so you'll have to buy 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 longer than this, however 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 provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, even hard surfaces. It's easy to put together and has no small pieces to get lost, and is sturdy enough to hold the child's weight without worrying about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to meet the needs of your child's growing up. It also has multiple support areas, so you can dial in the right fit for your child's unique needs. Moreover, this is the only cot we've test that can accommodate multiple infants at once and can accommodate two babies up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one baby.
One of the things that parents adore about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed and then into a junior bed, giving it a longer life span and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is essential for parents with tight budgets and could save you money in the long run as your child develops into an adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds since they provide the most security for your child. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is approximately 2 years old and will eventually need to be transformed into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting from birth and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is an important feature as children may choke if their heads are stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when trying to position the legs in a proper position. It's also the largest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry when you have to transport it from its storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then you should look no further than this deluxe wood cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that elevates style, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery and will blend with a variety of different styles for kids' bedrooms once your baby grows out of it.
top rated cots are designed specifically for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. They are usually lower than beds, with the base being capable of being raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have a drop side which allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn, making it easier to take nighttime feeds. Some cots have the option of removing a side completely and allowing you to use it like a bassinet. This is a safer alternative than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that simplify the lives of parents. There is a drawer under the cot which is ideal for storage, rails to protect teething babies and a riser leg that can create an angle that is suitable for babies with reflux. 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 extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, and it being able to convert into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
Having cribs beds is essential for all babies, so it's worth spending the time finding the right cot or crib for your baby. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the options available and discuss the options with other parents and a qualified group leader.
There are many aspects to consider when buying the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, especially 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 a removable hood and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib can fit in your bedroom or nursery with enough space to move around and not too close to heat 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 once and include bedding sets that make it easier to get your child ready for bed. Some also have the option of a side rail which can be removed which allows you to put your baby near you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own you might want to look for one with a bunk that can be converted into a single bed.
Many cots feature an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried that your newborn might slip down in the night, and also beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials such as wool or cotton. However there are models made with polyurethane.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They shouldn't 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 limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot must also be considered. Find out if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your existing cot bedding will fit or if you'll have to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of accessories such as nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothing, toys and more. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It can assist you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.