The cot is the baby's bed until she is four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy, sturdy and safe.
Make sure that the mattress is free of gaps, because they can pose an entrapment risk for infants. Also look for a cot that can be converted to an infant bed.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options available. It weighs just 2.68kg and costs nearly 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 complete with shock cord to keep them in order, then they slide easily into sleeves that fit on their legs and you just have to put your feet on them to set up the sleeping area.
The only negative is that it's difficult to take apart it - you have to be really strong to pull out the legs and it can take some effort to remove the frame. It's a minor issue and I believe it's the lightest cot I've ever tried.
Check out the cot bed options available on the market if you're looking for something more durable and permanent. If you decide to go with this option, you'll need to buy a new bed for your child after some time.
Some children may stay in the cot for longer, however, the majority of children will want to move up to their first single mattress - as a reward for being a big sister or brother!
The Cot One is a comfortable choice for babies and small kids, allowing a good night's sleep on any kind of ground including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together and has no small pieces to lose, and feels solid enough to support a child without worrying about wobbly parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings that need to sleep together. 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 changing needs. It also comes with multiple support areas, so you can find the perfect fit to meet your child's specific requirements. In addition, this is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two infants up to 325 lb. The cot measures 72 inches long. This is a huge selling point for families who require 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 the junior bed, which gives it a longer lifespan and means that you won't have to buy a new bed. This is great for those with limited budgets and will save money as your child grows.
The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds since they offer the highest level of protection for your child. The crib is designed to be used up until your child reaches 2 years. After this, it will have to be changed to an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot that we tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is appropriate for babies who are in a supine position. The highest setting is recommended when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital feature as children may choke if their heads are stuck between gaps or protrusions in the cot.
The only issue with this cot is that it's not the most portable, as it requires an enormous amount of effort to fold, and can be a bit finicky when you try to put the legs into place. Also, it is the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around if you need to move it far from the storage area.
This premium wood cot is a great option if you're searching for a cot that comes with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates design, comfort and utility in your living room. It is also stunning 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 are designed specifically for newborns and provide an environment that is safe for sleeping to ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need. The base can be raised to meet the baby's developmental stage. They are generally lower than beds. Some cots come with an opening that allows you to co-sleep in a safe manner with your newborn and makes it easier to take nighttime feeds. Some affordable cots allow you to remove one of the sides completely, which 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 have additional features that make life easier for parents. These include a drawer underneath the cot that is perfect for storage, rails to protect babies with teeth, and a riser leg which can create an angle that can be used to help reflux babies. Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed is one of our top picks. It is not only elegant with its minimalist Scandi design and oak finish, but it is also practical with three different height settings for the mattress.
It's important that your baby gets a good night's sleep. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the best infant cribs cradle or cot for them. Participate in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the various options available and discuss them with other parents and an experienced group leader.
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a cot, such as the depth of the cot and its sides, if it has an opening for a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues, the cot's storage capacity, whether it has an hood that can be removed and if it comes with bedding. It is also worth double making sure you are aware of the dimensions so that the crib or cot your baby is using will fit in your nursery/bedroom, with plenty of space for movement, and not too close to sources of heat or windows.
Quadruple Cot
You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These cots to tots are built to accommodate four babies at a time, and they include bedding sets that make it easy to get your baby ready to go to bed. Many have a side rail to keep your baby close while they sleep. If you have children you might want to look for one with a bunk that can be turned into one bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried that your baby could slip during the night, and it's also beneficial 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 of polyurethane.
It is a good idea to pick a sale cot with mesh sides, which 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. You should also be wary of cots that have feet and head boards that are solid, as these can trap limbs or clothing.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it's machine washable, and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric and any removable parts. You'll also have to consider whether your bedding for a cot will work or if you'll need purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require lots of toys such as nappies (which can quickly accumulate!) Bedding, clothes and toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a sale cot that comes with storage space. It can assist you to keep everything organised and easily accessible.