How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their bed until they reach around four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and safe.

Make sure that it has gaps-free mattresses since gaps could pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also, look for a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly half the price of 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, with shock cord to help keep them in place and then slide into sleeves that fit on their legs and you just have to place your feet inside them to create the sleeping surface.

The only downside is that it's difficult to take apart - you need to be extremely strong to lift the legs, and then it takes some effort to remove the frame itself. But that's a minor www.cots4tots.co.uk complaint and it's certainly the most lightweight cot I've ever tested.

Check out the cot bed options available on the market if seeking something more durable and permanent. They're typically suitable from birth to about 2 years, so you'll need a single bed for your child at some time if you choose this option.

Some children are happy to remain in a cot for more than this, though most are keen to transition to 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 small children, offering a wonderful night's rest on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It is easy to assemble and has no small pieces to break, and is sturdy enough to hold the child's weight without worrying about unstable parts.

Double Cot

A double cot is ideal for newborn twins or siblings who will need to sleep close together. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a slatted bottom that can be adjusted to suit the needs of your child's growing up. It also has multiple support areas, so you can personalize it to your child's specific needs. Furthermore, it's the only cot we've tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two babies up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families that will need to share space.

One of the things that parents love about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and then into a junior bed, giving it a longer life span and means that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is crucial for families on tight budgets and can save you money in the future as your child grows into an adult.

Most health experts recommend cot beds because they offer the highest level of safety for your child. They are designed to be used from birth until your child is approximately two years old. They eventually require conversion into a toddler bed or junior bed.

This is the only cot we have 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 is able to roll. This is a crucial feature because children could choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.

The only issue with this cot is that it's not very transportable, since it requires a large amount of effort to fold it and can be a bit finicky when you try to put the legs in a proper position. Additionally, it's the largest cot we've reviewed and is a bit heavy to carry around in the event that you have to move it away from its storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, then look no further than this deluxe wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances the look, comfort and function in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and can blend well with a range of different styles of bedrooms for kids when your child is old enough to outgrow it.

Triple Cot

Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your newborn, ensuring that they get the rest they need. The base can be raised to meet the baby's developmental stage. They are usually lower than beds. A majority of cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. This makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots offer the option of removing one of the sides completely which allows you to use it as a bassinet and make it a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.

Some cots come with additional features that can make life easier for parents, like a drawer that can be placed beneath the cot, which is great to store items or keep your essential items close to hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot for protection infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline to help reflux babies. One of our cots we love is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also very practical with three different heights for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

It's important that your baby gets a good night's sleep. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for your child. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about the various options available and discuss the options with other parents and an experienced group leader.

There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying the cot you want, including the dimensions of the cot as well as its sides, if it comes with an opening for a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot, whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it has bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot for your baby to ensure it is suitable for your nursery or bedroom. Make sure 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

You'll need a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at a time, and they include bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready to go to bed. Many also feature a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your child near you while they rest. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a model that has bunk beds that can be converted into one.

Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted up and down to suit your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried your baby may slip at night, and it's also beneficial the time when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but there are models that make use of polyurethane foam too.

It's a good idea select a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to prevent your child from climbing out. Also, avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could restrict limbs and clothing.

Another thing to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you should determine whether your cot bedding fits or if you have to purchase a special travel cot sheets.

The cost of diapers can quickly go up! Bedding, clothing and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage. It can assist you keep everything organized and easily accessible.