Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to keep them from falling out. There are a variety of styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be a parent's best friend. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all of the latest guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a stylish choice for the baby's first bedroom, with a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or a day bed for long-lasting use. It comes with two base height positions too, making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base so it fits through most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your baby to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two mattress heights, so you can begin with a higher base and then move down as your child develops and learns to sit up unaided. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
The slats of this cot are spaced closer together than some of the other models we have tested This makes it more streamlined and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappy. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Also, make sure that the slats are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is crucial that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not slide. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover as well, as any soiling will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic accessories, but only buy 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 keep close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this might be what you're looking for. Its compact design fits into doors that have standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, perfect for those nappy changes.
It's lightweight and portable, which means it is easy to move between rooms or even during a trip. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who require to have access to their infant quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its robust construction means it will last for a long time and not fall apart like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed lets parents snuggle their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find having their child close to them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This cot is available in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her child had slept in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her younger.
good cribs is also small and small which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store all your little one's necessities. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the investment because of the design and the functionality. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for this crib. We suggest a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the cot frame to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant models, but it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings this cot will carry your baby through their first 18 months and can transform into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it would suit any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the guidelines 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 stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress that is ideally sized with no gaps at the edges and made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features like built-in storage or side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you're seeking a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cries. It gently rock them into sleep in an identical way to the mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.