How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the infant's first bed and will serve as their sleep space until they are around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure it is a gap-free mattress, since gaps could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Also look for a cot that is able to convert into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost one quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up. The two poles are able to snap together like abnormally burly tent poles with shock cords to keep them arranged and then slide into sleeves on their connected legs. All you have to do is to put your feet on them to set up the sleeping area.
It can be difficult to take apart. You must be strong to remove the legs and then it's quite a task to remove the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the lightest cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something that's stronger and long-lasting, take a look at the range of cot beds on the market. They're generally suitable from birth to about 2 years old, which means you'll need to purchase a single 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 go to their first single mattress - as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small children, offering a wonderful night's sleep over any type of ground, including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and has no small pieces to get lost, and is solid enough to support children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to fit the needs of your child's growing up. It also has multiple support areas, so you can tailor it to your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested that can accommodate two infants at a time and can hold up to 325 lb. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families who need to share space.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents love. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed and later it can be converted into a junior bed. This will give it an extended life span and means you don't need to purchase a new bed. This is great for those with limited budgets and can save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health experts as they offer the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is around 2 years old. They will then need to be converted into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we have tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in the supine position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital aspect, as babies can choke if their heads get stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be a challenge to get the legs into position. It's also the biggest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry when you have to move it from its storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that meets all the boxes, you should look no further than this luxury wooden cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture can be elevated in the look, comfort and functionality in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery and will blend with various styles for kids' bedrooms once your baby grows out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for babies and offer an ideal sleeping area that is safe to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. cots offers can be raised to accommodate the baby's developmental stage. They are usually lower than beds. Many cots have a drop side which allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn and makes it easier to take nighttime feeds. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which can allow you to use it as a bassinet, and make it a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can make life easier for parents, such as a handy drawer beneath the cot, which is great to store items or keep your essential items close at hand, anti-bite rails at the top of the cot for protection teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our favourites. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.
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 baby. Take part in 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 a number of things to consider when buying a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has a drop side for petite babies or health issues as well as the capacity of the cot's storage, whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. cots 4 tots is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery or bedroom with enough space to move around and not too close to heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at a time, and they include bedding sets that make it easy to get your baby ready for bed. They also come with an end rail that can be removed, so you can place your child close to you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own You may prefer a model with a bunk bed that can be turned into one bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great solution for parents who are concerned that your child might be prone to falling down in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child begins to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However there are models made of polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They shouldn't be more than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could trap clothing or limbs.
The ease of cleaning the cot must be considered. Find out if it's machine washable and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any removable parts. You'll also need to consider whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need purchase special sheets for travel cots.
Babies need a lot of accessories including nappies (which can quickly add up!) tots and cots , clothes and toys. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to organize everything neatly and easily accessible.