Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are many styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline setting that can help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. The cot is stylish and robust and meets all of the latest standards. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden aged 13 months tried the product.
cots and tots is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that will suit any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two different heights of the base, making it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep the essentials for your baby at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats on this cot are positioned more apart than other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.
A high-quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not slide. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for those who intend to use it right from birth and keep it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and go down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.
It's light and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to access their newborn quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a beautiful cot bed that has an Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's simple to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. It's small dimensions make it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for a long time and not break like other cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months, but many parents find having their child close to them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you'll be able to make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that should last through the toddler years as well. One test-taker said that her baby used the crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
This cot is also small and compact and easy to put together and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's a bit pricey however, it's well worth the cost for its design and function. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant models, but it's not only about appearances. With two mattress height settings this cot will carry your baby through the first 18 months. It can transform into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you select, ensure that it complies with relevant regulations for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop children from getting their heads trapped. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges and made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed for your baby to rest comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a modern alternative, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rocks them into sleep in an identical way to the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit expensive however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.