Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. There are many styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the best friend of parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are looking for a crib, there are a lot of aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is key. This cot is stylish and sturdy and is in compliance with all of the latest guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is no exception. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom, with a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two different heights for the base, making it easier to reach for baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through most standard doors, which is a great benefit for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a matching dresser/changer that will keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a higher base and then move down as your little one grows and learns to sit on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats of this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we tested and makes it more sleek and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that allows you to get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Find cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are securely fixed to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is important that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not sag. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will be absorbed directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage space for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great option, but make sure to only buy additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for an infant crib that you can use from birth and put close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this could be the one you're looking for. cribs beds can fit through doors with standard frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight design means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to have access to their infant quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover, which are both useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is great for parents since it will last as long as your child needs it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also good value for money when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby secure. It's small dimensions make it a great choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not break like other cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months but many parents find having their child close to them before bedtime calming.
This cot is available in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline that helps with reflux.
While it's attractive It's also a sturdy design that is built to last the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her baby spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her younger.
The cot is also compact and compact which makes it easy to set up and move around. It is a good choice for parents with little space. It can also function as a portable cot. It was simple to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything your baby needs. It's a bit costly, but it's worth the investment because of the design and the functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this crib. We suggest a comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy a crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features like built-in storage, as well as removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you are seeking a cutting-edge option for your baby, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying. It gently lulls the baby to sleep in the same way as the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit expensive however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.