A cot is the baby's first bed and will serve as their sleep space until they reach the age of four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfortable sturdy, safe and sturdy.Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, as gaps can pose the risk of suffocation 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 2.68kg and is almost half the cost of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set up. The two primary poles snap together like abnormally burly tent poles, with shock cord to help keep them in place, then they slide easily into sleeves attached to their legs. All you have to do is to put your feet on them to make the sleeping surface.
The only drawback is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle and you'll need to be able to pull out the legs and then it takes some effort to take apart the frame. It's not a major issue and I believe it's the Best cot For Newborn lightweight cot I've ever tried.
Take a look at the cot bed range on the market if seeking something more durable and permanent. If you opt for this option, you'll have to purchase a separate bed for your child after a few years.
Some children will remain in the cot longer, but most will want to go to their first single mattress as a reward for being a 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 sturdy enough to hold children without worry about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for newborn twins or siblings who need to sleep close together. It has the same safety features of a single cot. It has side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to meet your child's growing needs. It has multiple support areas, so you can personalize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot we tested that can accommodate two infants at once and can hold up to 325 pounds. This cot is 72 inches long. This is an excellent selling point for families who need to share space.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents appreciate. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and later to a junior bed. This gives it an extended life span and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is ideal for families who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts as they offer the best safety for your baby. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately 2 years old. They will eventually need to be transformed into the toddler bed or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting for babies from birth, and the highest for when your baby can roll over. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not the most portable, as it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold and can be quite finicky when trying to get the legs. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around if you need to move it far from the storage area.
If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then you should look no further than this luxurious wooden cot. This stunning piece of furniture will enhance the look, comfort and functionality in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and can blend well with different kid's bedroom styles once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for newborns and provide an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. The base can be raised to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are generally lower than beds. A lot of cots have an opening that allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn, making it easier to have nighttime feeds. Some cots even allow you to remove one of the sides completely. This allows you to use it as a bassinet and provide a safer option to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots also have extra features that can make life a little easier for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping the essentials to hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top of the cot to protect teething babies 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 favourites. It's not just beautiful with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also extremely practical, with three different heights for the mattress.
Sleeping well is vital for all babies therefore it's worth your time looking for the ideal crib or cot for your infant. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the options available and discuss the options with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are many things to consider when buying a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, especially if it has a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot, whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. Make sure you check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to ensure that it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Be sure that there is enough space for your baby to move about and that it's not too close to windows or sources of heat.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting twins or triplets then you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at once They include bedding sets that make it easy to get your child ready for bed. Some also have a side rail which can be removed so you can place your child close to you as they sleep. If you have children you might consider models with a bunk that can be turned into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great solution if you are worried that your child could fall down in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child starts to stand. A lot of cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as wool or cotton, but there are models that make use of polyurethane foam, too.
Choose a cot that has mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They should not be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Also, avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could restrict limbs and clothing.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to be taken into consideration. Make sure it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. You'll also have to consider whether your standard bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need to buy some special travel cot sheets.
Babies need a lot of toys, including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) bedding, clothing and other toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you organize everything neatly and easily accessible.
