How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby'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 safe.
Check best cots uk has gaps-free mattresses, as gaps can pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Also, look for a cot that can be converted into an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set-up. The two main poles snap together like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to keep them in place. Then, they slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You simply need to put your feet into them to make the sleep surface.
It isn't easy to take apart. You need to be strong to remove the legs, and then it is quite a task to take apart the frame. However, this is a minor issue and it's the most lightweight cot I've tested.
Look at the cot bed options available that is available if you're seeking something more durable and permanent. If you opt for this option, you will need to buy a new bed for your child in some time.
Some children will remain in the cot longer but the majority will want to move up to their first single mattress as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, allowing a good night's rest on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to lose, and feels solid enough to support children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails as well as an slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can find the right fit to meet your child's specific needs. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at a time and can hold up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that will need to share space with more than one child.
One of the things that parents adore 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 another bed. This is essential for parents on tight budgets and can save you money in the future as your child develops into an adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts since they provide the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately 2 years old. They will then need to be converted into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has 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 a vital feature as children may choke if their heads are stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback to this cot is that it's not particularly portable, as it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold and can be a bit finicky when you try to put the legs. It's also the biggest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry around if you have to transport it from the storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then you should look no further than this luxury wooden cot. This stunning piece of furniture will enhance the look, comfort and functionality in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery, and will blend with many different styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for babies and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your baby gets the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds, with the base being 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. This allows you to feed your baby at the evening. Some cots also allow you to remove one of the sides completely which could allow you to use it as a bassinet, and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life a little easier for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping your essentials close to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to protect teething babies, and a removable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It is not only stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also practical with three different heights for the mattress.
It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's rest. So, it is worth your time to find the best cradle or cot for your child. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's cot or crib will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at a time They come with bedding sets that make it simple to get your little ones ready to go to bed. Some also have the option of a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your baby near you while they rest. If you have kids of your own You may consider models with a bunk bed that can be transformed into a single bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's size. This is a great solution for parents who are concerned that your child could fall down in the night. It's an excellent idea when your child begins to stand up. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made with polyurethane.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the bars' length too and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your child from escaping. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could trap clothing or limbs.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Check if the fabric can be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. Also, you should determine if your standard bedding for a cot is suitable or if you have to purchase a specific travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of accessories including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.