Best Cot Newborn: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot will serve as the baby's bed until he or is four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfortable solid and secure.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps as they could pose a suffocation hazard for babies. Also consider a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set up. The two main poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles, with shock cord to keep them in order, then they slide easily into sleeves attached to their legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to set up the sleeping area.
The only downside is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle - you need to be able to lift the legs and it requires some effort to remove the frame. It's not a major issue and I'm convinced that it's the most lightweight frame I've tested.
Take cots to tots at the cot bed options available that is available if you're seeking something more durable and permanent. They're usually suitable from birth to around 2 years, so you'll need a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children are content to remain in a cot for longer than this, though most want to move on 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 infants and small children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to install, with no small parts that can be lost, and it feels safe enough to be held by a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to fit your child's growing needs. It also has multiple support areas, so you can find the ideal size to meet your child's specific needs. In addition, this is the only cot that we test that can accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families that require space with more than one child.
This cot has a great feature that parents are sure to love. It can be converted into a toddler's bed and then to a junior bed. This will give it longevity and means that you don't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget and can save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts as they offer the highest level of security for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is around two years old. They then need to be converted into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in a sitting position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby is able to roll over. This is an important feature as children may choke if their heads get stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold it and can be quite finicky when trying to position the legs in a proper position. It's also the largest cot we've reviewed, and can be heavy to carry when you have to move it from the storage location.
This premium wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that has all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living room. It looks beautiful in any nursery and will complement various designs for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for infants and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. The base can be raised to accommodate your baby's development stage. They are usually lower than beds. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. This also makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which can allow you to use it as a bassinet, and provide a safer option to sleeping in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents. These include a drawer under the cot which is ideal for storage, rails that protect teething babies and an adjustable riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worthwhile to take the time to choose the best cradle or cot for your child. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the various options available and discuss them with other parents and a qualified 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, especially if it has drop sides for small babies or with health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to ensure that it is suitable for your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there is enough room 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 more. These cots are large enough to accommodate up to four babies at one time They also include bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready to go to bed. A lot of them have a side rail to keep your child close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might think about a product that has bunk beds which can be made into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that 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 during the night, and is useful for the time when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, but there are models that use polyurethane foam as well.
It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They shouldn't be wider than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. It is also recommended to be wary of cots that have solid head and foot boards because they can restrict limbs and clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be considered. Check if the fabric can be washed in the machine and follow the care instructions for any removable parts. You should also determine if your standard bedding for your cot fits, or if you need to purchase some special travel cot sheet.
The cost of diapers can quickly go up! Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot, can help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.