Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage space, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline setting to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also affordable, and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or day bed for long-lasting use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through the majority of doors, which is a great benefit for parents who are time-strapped. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep all the essentials for your baby close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can start with a high-height base and then move down as your little one develops and learns to sit up unaided. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The slats of this cot are positioned more in comparison to other models we looked at, which makes it more streamlined and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappy. Parents were impressed by how easy this cot was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, as well as storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for those who would like to use it from the beginning and place it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through standard door frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice to change nappy.
One of our mom test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their infant during the first few days. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux and a wedge cover, 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 needs it. This is a gorgeous cot bed with an Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its solid construction also means it will stand the years and won't be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity before going to bed.
The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted into four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful It's also a sturdy design that is built to last the toddler years too. One test-taker told us that her baby was in the cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around when required. It is a good choice for parents with a limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. It was simple to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's not cheap but it's an excellent cost due to the design and the functionality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your child from being trapped. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the cot frame to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.
5. cheap cots is among our most elegant models, but it's not only about appearances. This cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it would suit any nursery - especially when you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop infants from snagging their heads. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are designed for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and you can usually find cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high tech alternative, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's cry. It gently lulls into the same way as the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit expensive however, for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.