How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their sleep space until they reach around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and secure.
Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, as gaps can pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Also consider an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost half the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also much easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in position. They then are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their connected legs. You just have to put your feet into them to create 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 dismantle the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and long-lasting, take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. They're typically suitable from birth to about 2 years, so you'll have to buy one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children may stay in the cot for longer, however, the majority of children will want to move to their first single mattress as a reward for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller children, offering a wonderful night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble, has no small parts to break, and is sturdy enough to hold the child's weight without worrying about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for newborn twins or siblings who want to sleep close together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to fit your child's changing needs. It also has multiple support areas so you can customize it to your child's specific needs. Moreover, this is the only cot that we tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who require space with more than one child.
One of the things that parents appreciate about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed, and then onto an adult bed, giving it a longer life span and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is great for those with limited budgets, and will save you money as your child grows.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds because they offer the highest level of security for your child. The bed is designed to be used up until your child is two years old. After that, it will need to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital aspect as babies can choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it can be difficult to fold and can be difficult to get the legs into position. It's also the biggest cot in our list and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it from the storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, take a look at this luxury wooden cot. crib sets of furniture will elevate the look, comfort and functionality in your living room. It is also stunning in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different kid's bedroom styles when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
cot beds for sale are designed specifically for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds and have a base that is adjustable to suit your baby's developmental stage. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your infant. It also allows you to feed your baby at night. Some cots have the option of removing one side completely, allowing you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a more secure option to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can simplify life for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot which is ideal to store items or keep the essentials to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to safeguard infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for reflux babies. One of our cots we love 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 extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies therefore it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your infant. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the various options available and discuss the options with other parents and a qualified group leader.
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when purchasing a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, especially if it has a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it comes with an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. Make sure you check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to make sure it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there's enough space to move around and that it's not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or even more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once and come with bedding sets to make it easier to get your child up and ready for bed. They also come with an end rail that can be removed, to allow you to place your baby near you as they sleep. If you have other children, you may consider models with a bunk that can be converted into an individual bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This is a great option if you're worried your baby could slip at night, and is beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed of natural materials such as cotton or wool, however you can find models made of polyurethane foam as well.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They should not be more than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. 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 be taken into consideration. Check if the fabric can be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, cheap cot bed should determine if your standard cot bedding fits or if you'll need to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of a diaper can quickly increase! bedding clothes and other toys. A cot with storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.