Cots for children and babies – types of cots and which ones to choose

Healthy sleep is extremely important for babies, and that's why you need to make sure they have the right conditions. This isn't possible without a good cot. But when choosing a model, you need to consider many factors – size, functionality, and personal preferences. See what cot models you find on the market and if a mini cot is even a necessity.

Is a mini cot even necessary?

This question may seem odd to some. Where would a baby sleep, if not in a cot? It may seem that a mini cot is an absolute must-have for a baby starter kit. But is this actually true? There are many theories. There's no lack of people who think that children can happily sleep in a bed with their parents to ensure closeness for littlies and convenience for the parents – after all, mum won't have to get out of bed at night to feed the baby.

There are also alternative forms of cots, such as the Moses basket. These are small baskets made of wicker, palm leaves, felt or plastic and slightly resemble a pushchair carrycot. They have the benefit of being mobile. They feature special handles – like an actual basket – thanks to which it can be taken wherever you like. But kits usually include special stands, sometimes even equipped with a rocking frame. When you put the basket on the stand, it looks like a small classic cot. Your baby will only be able to use a Moses basket for the first three or four months. After this, they'll grow out of it.

Another form is a baby box, which is inspired by Finnish culture. In Finland, everyone gets a baby starter kit after their baby is born, and this kit includes a cardboard box with a mattress, which your baby can use as a cot up to 9 kg or 70 cm in height.

But let's be honest – neither a Moses basket nor a baby box, and especially not sleeping with the parents in the same bed can replace a cot in the long term, even if for the reason that your littlie will take naps throughout the day, and leaving them in a cot secured with the right rungs is the best option. Some people also think that sleeping in a cot is much safer for children than sleeping with the parents. This may also be uncomfortable, because babies tend to wriggle a lot.

Types of cots for children and babies

When browsing cots, you may end up thinking that every manufacturer is trying to offer something that no one else on the market has. And so there are many options available. But there are several types of cots that seem to be the most common. It's good to know what they are to be able to choose the best one for your needs.

Co-sleeper cots

Co-sleeper cots were created to ensure babies feel close while the parents remain comfortable, having their youngster within arm's reach at night. Some models can function as a traditional cot during the day and convert into a co-sleeper cot after you drop one side. This means that when you slide it up to your bed on the convenient wheels and secure it with the safety straps, your baby can sleep close to you without you giving up the benefits of sleeping in a separate bed. This is a very convenient option, because a mum who feeds at night doesn't have to get out of bed, and both the parents and the littlie sleep well without taking space from each other. Our range includes many co-sleeper cots, and you'll certainly find the right one for you. You can choose from NESTE AIR, UNO UP, KOYA and NESTE UP. 

Traditional cots

Traditional cots are the most popular pieces of furniture for babies. They're usually made of wood, although there are metal cots available. They don't normally have wheels, but there are versions with wheels. They differ in the type of wood they're made of, colour, decorations and small details. An example of a traditional cot made of wood with a beautiful design is our STELLO. Some models offer removable rungs that your child can use to get in and out of the cot on their own once they get older. Our MIA and NICO function slightly differently. They allow you to remove an entire side and convert the mini cot into a toddler bed with a small guard rail for older children.

3-in-1 cots – multi-functional

If you're wondering whether to choose a co-sleeper cot, traditional cot, one with a playpen function, or perhaps one that comes with a changing table or dresser, you don't have to choose – you can get a multi-functional cot. There are many options on the market: 2-in-1, 3-in-1, 4-in-1, and ones that offer even more functions. Everything depends on the manufacturer's creativity. Our offer includes, for example, KOYA, which is a 4-in-1 cot, as it can be used as a mini cot, co-sleeper cot, normal cot and playpen.

Travel cots for children and babies

Travel cots for children are extremely useful, and loved by parents who enjoy travelling with their child. They're foldable, lightweight and small to make them easy to transport and store. Sometimes, travel cots are used on a daily basis. In such cases, make sure that the base is adjustable and that you have a good-quality mattress, because those that come in a set aren't always adequate.

Cot tailored to your child's age

When choosing a cot, you should be a step ahead of it. This is very important, because furniture that isn't suitable for your littlie's age can be dangerous. You must adjust the height of the mattress to your darling's motor skills. The mattress should only remain in the highest position until your littlie starts rolling over, because there may not be much time between that and when they get up on their knees. You drop the mattress to the lowest position once your child is able to stand up unaided. All of this is so that they can't get out of the cot on their own.

When choosing a cot, check its size. There are both mini cots and normal cots on the market. The former are usually 90 x 60 cm, and the latter 120 x 60 cm. If you don't want to buy two cots, it's good to get the bigger one straight away.

There are also cots, such as our NICO and MIA, that can easily be converted into toddler beds for older children. To do this, you remove the rungs, affix the lower guard rail and leave the side open. This is a practical and ergonomic option for many years.