How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their sleeping space until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. Also, look for a cot that is able to convert to an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options available on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set up. The two primary poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles complete with shock cords to keep them arranged, then they slide easily into sleeves on their connected legs and you just have to place your feet inside them to create the sleeping area.
The only negative is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle - you need to be really strong to pull out the legs and it requires some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the best lightweight cot I've ever tried.
Check out the range of cot beds available on the market if looking for something that is more durable and long-lasting. If you choose this option, you will need to purchase a separate bed for your child in a few years.
Some children may stay in the cot longer, but most will want to move to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
best infant cribs is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, providing a great night's rest on any kind of ground even hard surfaces. best infant cribs 's also easy to set up, with no tiny parts that could get lost, and it feels secure enough to hold a toddler without having any wobbly bits to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who need to sleep close together. It has the same security 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 requirements. Furthermore, it's the only cot we've tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously as it can hold two infants up to 325 lb. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families that will need to share space.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and then a junior bed. This provides it with an extended life span and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is important for those on tight budgets and can save you money over the long term as your child develops into an adult.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds as they provide the greatest safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately two years old. They eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies that are in a sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital feature as children may choke if their heads are trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to fold and can be a challenge to put the legs in position. It's also the biggest cot we've reviewed and can be quite heavy to carry when you have to move it from its storage location.
This deluxe wooden cot is the ideal option if you're searching for a cot that comes with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that adds the look, comfort and function in your living space. It also looks stunning in any nursery and can blend well with a range of different styles for your child's bedroom once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your infant and ensure that they get the rest they need. The base can be raised to meet the developmental stage of your baby. They are usually lower than beds. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. It also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots have the option of taking one side off completely and allowing you to use it like an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that make life a little easier for parents, such as a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect for storage or to keep your essentials close at hand, anti-bite rails at the top of the cot for protection teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots 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 very practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
Sleeping well is crucial for all babies therefore it's worth your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your baby. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, such as the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with an opening for a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage and whether it has a removable hood and if it has bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to ensure it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough space to move around and that it's not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once and come with bedding sets that help you get your child to bed. Some also have a side rail that can be removed so you can place your baby near you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might be interested in a model that has a bunk bed that can be transformed into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's size. This is a great idea if you are worried that your child might be prone to falling down at night. It's also a great idea for when your child starts to stand up. Many cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as cotton or wool, but there are some that make use of polyurethane foam too.
It is a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to stop your child from escaping. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they can trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to also be considered. Find out if the fabric is able to be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you should determine whether your standard bedding for your cot fits, or if you have to purchase some special travel cot sheet.
Babies require a lot of paraphernalia including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It can help you organize everything and easily accessible.