Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling off. 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 spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When shopping for a there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. The cot is stylish and robust, and it meets all the most recent regulations. It's also affordable, and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a stylish option for your baby's first room, with a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two base height positions too making it easier to reach baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is an absolute benefit for busy parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep everything you need for your newborn close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It has two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a high base and move down as your little one grows and begins to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
The slats of this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we have tested This makes it more sleek and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose meet safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and don't sag. You should also purchase an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a bedside crib that you can use from birth and put close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it perfect for nappy changing.
One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who need to be able to reach their baby easily during the first few months of parenting. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is great for parents because it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful cot bed with a Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and comes with an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your baby safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the years and won't be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to wrap their child close to them before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.
The cot comes in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents with sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last into the toddler years. One test-taker said that her baby used the crib for two months and it was still in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
This cot is also compact and compact and easy to assemble and move around. It's a great option for parents with a limited space. It could also serve as an cot that can be moved around. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, which means you'll need to buy one separately. We suggest settling for a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to stop your baby from getting drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not just about appearances. It's designed to last for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for the matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, make sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent babies from getting their heads trapped. Also, the surface should not be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase an mattress for your cot that is perfect and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features like built-in storage, as well as removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.