How to Choose the
best baby cots Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's bed until he or is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Check it has gaps-free mattresses, because gaps can be an suffocation hazard for infants. Also look for a cot that converts to a toddler bed.
Single
Mini Cot BedThe OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost a quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up - the two primary poles snap together like unusually large tent poles complete with shock cords to keep them in order and then slide into sleeves that fit on their legs. You just need to place your feet in them to make the sleeping area.
The only downside is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle - you need to be really strong to lift the legs and it can take some effort to remove the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the best cot newborn (
Atomcraft noted) lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and permanent, then take an interest in the variety of cot beds that are available on the market. If you opt for
Mini cot Beds this option, you'll need to buy a new bed for your child after some time.
Some children are content to remain in a cot longer than this, but most are keen to transition to their first single bed - that can be presented as a 'prize for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small 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 get lost, and is solid enough to support a child without worrying about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It comes with the same security features as a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to suit your child's growing needs. It also comes with multiple support areas, so you can dial in the ideal size for your child's requirements. This is the only cot we tested that is designed to accommodate two infants at one time and can hold up to 325 pounds. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one child.
One feature that many parents appreciate about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and later into a junior bed, giving it an extended lifespan and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is ideal for families with limited budgets and can save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the preferred sleeping option of most health professionals since they provide the most safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is around 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital feature because children could choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not particularly transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when you try to put the legs into place. Also, it is the largest cot we've reviewed and can feel heavy to carry around if you have to move it far from the storage area.
This deluxe wooden cot is the ideal option if you're looking for a cot that comes with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates design, comfort and utility in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and blends well with different styles of bedrooms for kids once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your infant and ensure that they get the sleep they require. The base can be raised to meet the baby's developmental stage. They are generally lower than beds. A lot of cots have a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your newborn. This also allows you to feed your baby at the evening. Some cots allow the option of removing one side completely which allows you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a drawer under the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to protect babies with teeth and a riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also very practical with three height settings for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's sleep. So, it is worthwhile to take the time to choose the ideal cradle or cot for your child. If you're struggling to decide what type of cot or crib is best for your baby, why not take part in an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a certified group instructor and other new parents?
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a cot, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it has a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has a removable hood 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 heating sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets, you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at once They include bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready to go to bed. They also come with a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your child near you as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model with bunk
cribs beds that can be transformed into one.
A lot of
cots and tots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to fit the size of your baby. This is a great idea if you are worried that your child could fall down at night. It's an excellent idea when your child begins to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made with polyurethane.
It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars too and ensure that they do not exceed 6.5cm apart to prevent your child from escaping. You should also avoid cots with feet and head boards that are solid as they could restrict limbs and clothing.
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. Also, you'll need to think about whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of toys, including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot that has storage, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.