A cot is the infant's first bed and will be their bed until they are around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose a suffocation hazard for babies. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is one of the lightest options available. It weighs just 2.68kg and is priced almost one quarter less than the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set up. The two poles are able to snap together like unusually large tent poles, with shock cords to keep them in order and slide into sleeves attached to their legs and you just have to place your feet inside them to make the sleeping area.
The only negative is that it's difficult to remove - you need to be able to pull out the legs and it requires some effort to dismantle the frame. However, that's not a major issue and it's the most lightweight cot I've ever tested.
If you want something stronger and durable, take a look at the range of cot beds that are available on the market. If you opt for this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child once they reach some time.
Some children are happy to stay in a cot for more than this, but the majority of them are eager to move on to their first single bed that can be presented as a 'prize' for being the big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's also easy to set up, with no small parts that can be lost, and Cots4Tots it feels safe enough to keep a toddler in place with no wobbly bits or parts to worry about.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for newborn twins or siblings who want to share a bed. It comes with the same safety features of a single cot. This includes side rails, a bottom with slats that can be adjusted to meet the needs of your child's growing up. It comes with multiple support areas so you can tailor it to your child's needs. In addition, this is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants simultaneously, as it can fit two infants up to 325 pounds. and 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one baby.
One of the things that parents love about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed and later into a junior bed, giving it an extended lifespan and ensuring that you don't have to buy a new bed. This is crucial for families with tight budgets and could save you money in the future as your child develops into an adult.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds since they offer the highest level of security for your child. The bed is designed to be used up until your child reaches the age of two years old. After this, it will have to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in the sitting position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll over. This is a crucial feature as children may choke if their heads get stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not the most mobile, as it takes an enormous amount of effort to fold it and can be quite fussy when you try to put the legs. It's also the biggest cot we've reviewed, and can be heavy to carry if you have to move it from its storage location.If you're looking for a cot that ticks all the boxes, you should look no further than this deluxe wood cot. This gorgeous piece of furniture can be elevated in the look, comfort and functionality in your living room. It looks stunning in any nursery, and can be incorporated into many different styles for kids' bedrooms when your child is out of it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your infant, ensuring that they get the sleep they need. The base can be adjusted to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are usually lower than beds. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. This makes it easier to feed at night. Some cots even allow you to remove one of the sides completely, which could allow you to use it as a bassinet, and provide a safer option to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that simplify the lives of parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot which is ideal to store things in, rails that protect teething babies, and a riser leg which can create an angle that is suitable for babies with reflux. One of our favourite cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also very practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
It's important that your baby has a restful night's sleep. So, it is worth your time to find the best cradle or cot for them. If you are trying to figure out what kind of crib or cot is best for your baby, why don't you attend an NCT New Baby Course and look at the different options with a certified group leader and other parents who are new?
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying the cot you want, including the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has drop sides for small babies or health issues and the capacity of storage for the cot and whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it has bedding. It is also worth double checking dimensions to ensure your baby's cot or crib can fit in your bedroom or nursery with enough space to move around and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one crib if you're expecting twins, triplets or even more. These large cots are designed to accommodate four babies at a time They also come with bedding sets that make it easy to get your little ones ready for bed. Some come with a removable side rail to keep your child close as they sleep. If you have kids of your own You may prefer one with a bunk that can be turned into one bed.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to meet the size of your baby. This is a great solution for parents who are concerned that your child might fall down in the night. It's also a great idea for when your child is beginning to stand up. Many cot mattresses are made of natural materials such as cotton or wool, but there are some that make use of polyurethane foam, too.
Pick a cot that has mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate to keep your baby cool. Make sure you check the length of the bars as well as they should not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your child from escaping. Also, avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards, as these can trap limbs or clothing.Another important consideration is how easy it is to clean. Make sure the fabric can be cleaned by machine and the care instructions for removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your existing cot bedding will fit or if you'll need to buy some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of a diaper can quickly add up! bedding clothing, toys and more. A cot with storage, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.
