Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child, which prevents them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage space that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, keeping baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and spec to design and design. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current standards. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old, tested the product.
This cot is an excellent illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with modern grey finishes that fit in with any color scheme. What's more, it converts into an adorable toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors and is a huge advantage for parents with a tight schedule. It even comes with a dresser/changer that will keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we tested and makes it more compact and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can access it easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Find cot beds that conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
A good quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not slide. It is important to invest 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 are also equipped with extra features like gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful addition, but remember to only buy additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for families who intend to use it right from the beginning and place it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
One of our mom test participants described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who need to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents since it will last for as long as your child will need it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.
Another option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for those with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed lets parents snuggle their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints and can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. 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.
This cot is also small and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a great choice for parents with a little space. It can also function as an cot that can be moved around. It was simple to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's expensive but it's worth it for its design and function. The cot doesn't include a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend an airy, firm mattress that is snug to prevent your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our sleekest models, but it's not just about looks. The cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless, and our tester found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if cribs beds select the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, make sure it meets the appropriate standards for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop infants from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface shouldn't be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase a crib mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.