How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is the baby's first bed and will serve as their bed until they reach around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure it is a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be an suffocation hazard for infants. Also, look for a cot that converts to an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version I tested. It's also a lot easier to set up - the two main poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles complete with shock cords to help keep them in place and slide into sleeves on their connected legs. You just need to place your feet inside them to create the sleeping area.
The only downside is that it's difficult to remove and you'll need to be really strong to lift the legs and it can take some effort to remove the frame itself. It's not a major issue and I believe it's the lightest cot that I've ever tested.
If you want something more sturdy and long-lasting, take an interest in the variety of cot beds on the market. If you opt for this option, you'll need to buy a separate bed for your child in several years.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot for more than this, but 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 is a comfortable option for infants and small kids, allowing a good night's sleep over any type of ground including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no small parts that can be lost, and it feels secure enough to be held by a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that require sleeping together. It has the same security features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base that can be lowered as your child grows. It has multiple support areas so you can tailor it to your child's needs. This is the only cot we tested that can accommodate two infants at a time, as it can hold up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families that will need to share space.
A great feature that many parents love about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and then into an adult bed, giving it an extended lifespan and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is important for those on tight budgets and can save you money in the long run as your child develops into a young adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds as they offer the highest level of security for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is around two years old. They eventually need to be transformed into a 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 starting at birth, while the highest setting is suitable for when your baby can roll over. This is an important feature as children may choke if their heads become trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.
The only downside to this cot is that it's not very portable, as it requires considerable effort to fold and can be quite finicky when trying to position the legs. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and may be a burden to carry around if you need to move it from its storage location.
This premium wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that comes with all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that adds design, comfort and utility in your living room. It is beautiful in any nursery, and can be incorporated into many different styles for bedrooms for children after your baby is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby to ensure they get the rest they need. They are typically lower than beds and have a base that is adjustable depending on your baby's developmental stage. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your newborn. This allows you to feed your baby at the evening. Some cots allow the option of taking one side off completely which allows you to use it as a bassinet. This is a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your child in your bed.
Certain cots come with additional features that simplify the lives of parents. They include an under-bed drawer which is ideal for storage, rails that protect teething babies, and an adjustable riser leg that can create a slight angle to help reflux babies. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed that is stunning to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies and it's worth your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your infant. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the available options and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are recommended cribs of things to take into consideration when purchasing the cot you want, 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, whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to ensure that it is suitable for your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there's 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 cot if you are expecting twins, triplets or more. These cots are built to accommodate four babies at a time, and they include bedding sets that make it simple to get your child ready to go to bed. Many come with a removable side rail so that you can keep your baby close as they sleep. If you have children You may consider models with a bunk that can be transformed into one bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be moved upwards and downwards to meet your baby's height. This is a great idea for parents who are concerned that your child could be prone to falling down at night. It's an excellent idea when your child begins to stand up. Many cot mattresses are constructed out of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, however there are models made of polyurethane foam as well.
It's a good idea select a cot that has mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Check the length of the bars as well, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards, as they can trap clothing or the limbs of your child.
Another important consideration is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the care instructions are for the fabric and any parts that are removable. You'll also have to consider whether your existing bedding for a cot will work or if you'll have to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of accessories, including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.