The cot is the baby's bed until he or is four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps, as they could pose an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also look for a convertible cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options available on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and costs nearly a quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together as do tent poles of unusually high quality with shock cords to keep them in position. Then they slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You just have to put your feet into them to make the sleep surface.
The only downside is that it can be difficult to remove - you need to be really strong to pull out the legs and it takes some effort to dismantle the frame. It's not a major issue, and I think it's the most lightweight cot that I've ever tested.
Take a look at the cot bed range on the market if you're looking for something more robust and long-lasting. They're typically suitable from birth to around 2 years old, which means you'll have to buy a single bed for your child at some point if you decide to go with this option.
Some children will stay in the cot longer, however, the majority of children will want to go to their first single mattress - as a reward for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It is simple to put together, has no small parts to lose, and feels solid enough to support the child's weight without worrying about unstable parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is perfect for twins who are just born or siblings who will need to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot including side rails as well as a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It has multiple support areas, so you can personalize it to your child's specific needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at a time because it can support up to 325 lbs. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families who require space sharing.
This cot comes with a wonderful feature that parents are sure to love. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and then it can be converted into a junior bed. This provides it with longevity and means that you won't have to buy another bed. This is essential for parents with tight budgets and could save you money over the long term as your baby grows into a young adult.
Most health experts recommend cot beds since they provide the greatest security for your child. The cot bed is intended to be used until your child reaches two years old. After this, it will have to be converted to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies that are in the sitting position. The highest setting is suggested when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital feature, as children can choke if their heads become trapped between protrusions or gaps in the cot.The only issue with this cot is that it can be difficult to fold and can be a challenge to get the legs into place. It's also the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around if you have to move it far from the storage area.
This premium wooden cot is the ideal option if you're looking for a cot with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates the look, comfort and function in your living room. It looks stunning in any nursery and will blend with many different styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your infant to ensure they get the rest they require. They are usually lower than beds and the base is able to be raised depending on your baby's developmental stage. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to sleep safely with your infant. This makes it easier to feed at the night. Some cots allow you to remove one of the sides completely. This could allow you to use it as a bassinet, and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that can make life a little easier for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot, which is great for storage or keeping the essentials 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 favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also super practical with three levels of height for the mattress, and being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
A good night's sleep is crucial for all babies therefore it's worth the time to find the perfect cot or crib for your infant. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the various options available and discuss these with other parents as well as a qualified group leader.
There are a variety of things to consider when buying a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, if it comes with drop sides for small infants or those with health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it has an adjustable hood, and if it comes with bedding. Check the dimensions of your baby's crib or cot to make sure it will fit in your bedroom or nursery. Be sure that there is enough space to move around and that it is not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at a time They include bedding sets that make it simple to get your baby ready to go to bed. A lot of them have a removable side rail to keep your child close as they sleep. If you have more than one child, you might want to consider a model with a bunk bed which can be made into a single.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress that can be moved up and down to suit your baby's height. This is a great option if you're worried your newborn might slip down in the night, and is useful for the time when your child begins to stand. Many cot mattresses are made from natural materials like wool or cotton, but you can find models that use polyurethane foam as well.
Select a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate, keeping your baby cool. Check the bars as well. They shouldn't be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards, as they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot must be considered. Check if 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'll need to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of diapers can quickly go up! Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that has storage. It will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.
