The cot is the baby's bed until is four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.
Make sure that it has a gap-free mattress, as gaps can pose a suffocation risk for babies. Also, look for a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed.Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs only 2.68kg and is priced almost a quarter less than the Helinox version I tried. It's also much simpler to set up. The two primary poles snap together like unusually large tent poles, with shock cords to keep them in order and then slide into sleeves on their connected legs. You just need to put your feet on them to make the sleeping surface.
The only negative is that it's a little tricky to dismantle it - you have to be really strong to pull out the legs, and then it can take some effort to remove the frame. It's a minor issue, and I think it's the lightest cot that I've ever tested.
If you're looking for something stronger and durable, take an interest in the variety of cot beds available on the market. If you choose this option, you'll need to buy a new bed for your child once they reach several years.
Some children are happy to remain in a cot for longer than this, however most are keen to get their first single bed - which could be presented as a 'prize' for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants 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 a child without worrying about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is great for twins who are just born or siblings who want to sleep close together. It comes with the same security features of a single cot. It has side rails, a slatted base that can be adjusted to suit your child's growing needs. It has numerous support areas so that you can customize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot we tested that can accommodate two infants at once, as it can hold up to 325 pounds. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who require space with more than one baby.
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 a great option for parents with limited funds and can save you money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. The bed is designed to be used until your child reaches 2 years. After that, it needs to be changed to a toddler or junior bed.
This is the only cot that we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is ideal for babies who are in the supine position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby can roll over. This is a vital aspect, as babies can choke if their heads are stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only drawback 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. It's also the largest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry when you have to transport it from the storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, then you should look no further than this luxurious wooden cot. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that elevates the look, comfort and function in your living room. It also looks stunning in any nursery and blends well with different styles of bedrooms for kids once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots are specifically designed for babies and offer an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure that your baby gets the rest they require. They are typically lower than beds and the base is capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Many cots have drop sides that allow you to safely co-sleep with your baby and makes it easier to take nighttime feeds. Some cots allow the option of removing one side completely which allows you to use it as an infant bassinet. This is a safer option than sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that make life easier for parents, such as an easy-to-access drawer underneath the cot, which is great for storage or to keep your essentials close to hand, anti-bite plastic rails at the top of the cot for protection teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline to help reflux babies. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish, but it is also super practical with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as it being able to convert into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It is crucial that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth the time to find the ideal cradle or cot for your baby. If you are struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is the best option for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a qualified group leader and other parents who are new?
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as 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. It is also worth checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's cot or crib can fit in your bedroom or nursery, with plenty of space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you're expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These cots are large enough to accommodate four babies at a time, and they come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your baby ready to go to bed. Some also have the option of a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your child close to you as they sleep. If you have other children You may prefer models with a bunk bed that can be transformed into a single bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet your baby's size. This can be a good idea if you're concerned that your newborn might slip down at night, and also useful for when your child is beginning to stand. Some cot mattresses are made of natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made with polyurethane.
It is a good idea to choose a cot with mesh sides. This allows air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Also, check the bars. They should not be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they can trap clothing or legs.
The ease of cleaning the cot must be considered. Check if it's machine washable and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any other parts that can be removed. You'll also need to consider whether your bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll need purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of toys including nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) bedding clothes and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot with storage space. It can assist you organize everything and easily accessible.
