Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling off. There are numerous styles available from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline option to aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully) asleep soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. tots and cots is stylish and robust and is in compliance with all of the latest standards. It's also priced reasonably, and comes with an extra mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old tried the product.
This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors, which is a great advantage for parents who are strapped for time. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your baby at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby from birth until around four years of age. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
The slats on this cot are more spaced apart than other models we have tested This makes it more sleek and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A high-quality cot mattress is also key to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and don't sag. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover too, as any soiling will get into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you want to use it from birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into doors that have standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down from the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip should you want to. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress, which are both useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is great for parents as it will last for as long as your child needs it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also good value for money if you consider how long it will be used for.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and includes a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. cots offers makes it a great option for people with low ceilings or small space. Its robust construction means it will last for many years and will not break like other cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.
This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, so you can blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted in four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last well into the toddler years. One test-taker stated that her child slept in this crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
This cot is also compact and small which makes it easy to put together and move around. It is a good choice for parents who have limited space and can also function as portable cot. Testers said it was easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's a bit costly, but it's worth the cost due to the design and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with an mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to stop your child from being suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our most stylish models, but it's not just about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months. It can even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Especially if you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, make sure it is in line with the rules that apply to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit with no gaps around the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks their body to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.