How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

The cot is the baby’s bed until he or she is four years old. Therefore, you want it to be comfortable solid and secure.

Check that 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 into a toddler bed.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost half the price of the Helinox version I tried. It’s also much simpler to set-up – the two main poles snap together like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to hold them in position. Then they slide into sleeves that rest on the legs of their linked legs. You simply need to put your feet into them to create the sleep surface.

It can be difficult to take apart. It is necessary to be strong enough to take the legs off and then it’s a bit of work to remove the frame. It’s a minor issue and I’m convinced that it’s the lightest frame I’ve tested.

If you’re looking for something that’s stronger and permanent, then take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. They’re generally suitable from birth to about 2 years old, so you’ll have to buy one bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.

Some children are content to remain in a cot for longer than this, however the majority of them are eager to get their first single bed – that can be presented as a “prize’ for being a big sister or brother!

The Cot One is a comfortable option for infants and smaller kids, providing a great night’s sleep over any type of ground including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together and has no small pieces to lose, and feels solid enough to support children without worry about wobbly parts.

cots and tots is great for twins who are just born or siblings who need to share a bed. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas, so you can choose 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 at once as it can hold two infants up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a big selling point for families that will require sharing space with more than one baby.

This cot has a great feature that parents love. It can be converted into a toddler’s bed, and later it can be converted into a junior bed. This gives it an extended life span and means that you won’t need to purchase a new bed. This is a great option for parents with limited budgets and will save money as your child grows.

Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health professionals since they provide the best safety for your baby. The cot bed is designed to be used until your child reaches two years old. After this, it will have to be converted to a junior bed or toddler bed.

This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies that are in a sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby can roll over. This is an important aspect, as babies can choke if their heads become trapped between gaps or protrusions in the cot.

The only drawback to this cot is that it’s not particularly transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold, and can be quite fussy when trying to position the legs into place. It’s also the largest cot in our list, and can be heavy to carry if you need to move it from its storage area.

This deluxe wood cot is a great option if you’re searching for a cot that comes with all the features. This gorgeous piece of furniture will enhance design, comfort and function in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and blends well with different styles for your child’s bedroom after your child has outgrown it.

Triple Cot

Cots are specially designed for infants and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure your little one gets the rest they require. The base can be raised to meet your baby’s development stage. They are generally lower than beds. Many cots have an opening that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby and makes it easier to take nighttime feedings. Some cots even have the option to remove one of the sides completely, which can allow you to use it as a bassinet to provide a safer option to sleeping in your bed.

Some cots come with additional features that can simplify life for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect for storage or keeping your essentials close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails that are placed on top of the cot to safeguard infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.

It is crucial that your baby has a restful night’s sleep. Therefore, it’s worth your time to find the right cot or cradle for them. If you’re struggling to determine what kind of cot or crib is the best option for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the different options with a certified group leader and other new parents?

There are a variety of things to consider when buying a cot, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it comes with drop sides for small babies or health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it comes with an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby’s crib or cot will fit in your nursery/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 then you’ll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies at once and include bedding sets to aid in getting your children to bed. Many come with a removable side rail to keep your baby close as they sleep. If you have children You may prefer one with a bunk bed that can be converted into one bed.

Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet the size of your baby. This can be a good option if you’re worried that your newborn might slip down at night, and also useful for when your child is beginning to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials such as wool or cotton. However, you can also find models made with polyurethane.

Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They shouldn’t be more than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid foot and head boards since they can trap clothing or the limbs of your child.

Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean. Check if the fabric can be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for removable parts. You’ll also have to consider whether your existing cot bedding will fit or if you’ll need buy some special travel cot sheets.

Babies require a lot of toys, including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) bedding clothes and other toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.