A cot is the infant's first bed, and will be their bed until they reach the age of four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure the mattress is free of any gaps, because they can pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also, look for a cot that can be converted to a toddler bed.Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg and is priced almost a quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also a lot easier to set-up. The two main poles snap together, like tent poles that are unusually thick with shock cords to keep them in place. They then are able to slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to place your feet on them to set up the sleep surface.
It isn't easy to disassemble. You need to be strong to pull the legs out, and then it is an effort to remove the frame. It's not a major issue and I believe it's the most lightweight cot I've ever tried.
If you're looking for something that's more sturdy and long-lasting, take an examination of the various models of cot beds that are available on the market. They're generally suitable from birth until around 2 years old, which means you'll need one bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children are content to remain in a cot longer than this, though 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 option for infants and smaller kids, allowing a good night's sleep on any kind of ground, including hard surfaces. It's also simple to set up, without small parts that can be lost, and it feels secure enough to hold a toddler with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who want to share a bed. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. It has side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to suit your child's growing needs. It also comes with multiple support areas, which means you can dial in the perfect fit for your child's unique requirements. Moreover, this is the only cot that we tested that's designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously and can accommodate two babies as big as 325 lb. This cot measures 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families who need to share space.
This cot has a fantastic feature that parents love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and later a junior bed. This provides it with a longer lifespan and means you don't have to buy another bed. This is essential for parents on tight budgets and can save you money in the long run as your child grows into an adult.
Cot beds are the most popular sleeping option of most health experts since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child reaches 2 years old. They will eventually need to be transformed into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are still in the sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll over. This is an essential feature as children can suffocate when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback is that it isn't easy to fold, and it can be a challenge to put the legs in place. It's also the largest cot in our list and is a bit heavy to carry when you have to transport it from the storage location.
This luxury wood cot is a great choice if you are looking for a cot that has all the features. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living room. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and can blend well with a range of different kid's bedroom styles when your child is old enough to outgrow it.
Triple Cot
Cots are designed specifically for babies and offer a safe sleeping space to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. The base can be raised to meet the baby's developmental stage. They are typically lower than beds. A majority of cots come with drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. This allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots offer the option of taking one side off completely which allows you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a safer alternative than co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that can make life easier for parents, such as a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect to store items or keep the essentials at hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to safeguard infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is among our top choices. It is not only stunning with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but also extremely practical, with three different height settings for the mattress.
A good night's sleep is essential for all babies therefore it's worth the time finding the right crib or cot for your newborn. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the various options available and discuss these with other parents as well as an experienced group leader.
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when purchasing the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, especially if it has drop sides for small babies or health issues, the cot's storage capacity and whether it comes with an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. Check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to ensure that it will fit in your nursery or bedroom. Make sure there is enough space to move around and that it is not too close to windows or heat sources.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets to aid in getting your kids to bed. Some also have the option of a side rail which can be removed to allow you to place your baby near you while they sleep. If you have other children, you may prefer a model with a bunk that can be turned into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be moved up and down to accommodate your baby's height. This is a great option to consider if you're worried that your child might be prone to falling down in the night. It's also a great option when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed from natural materials like cotton or wool, however there are some that use polyurethane foam too.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars as well and ensure that they do not be more than 6.5cm apart to stop your baby from escaping. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards as they could trap clothing or legs.
The ease of cleaning the cot needs to also be considered. Check if it's machine washable and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any parts that are removable. You'll also have to consider whether your standard cot bedding will fit or if you'll need purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of toys including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding clothes and other toys. A cot that has storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.
