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 to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
The mum tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot that is perfect for sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. The cot is sleek and durable and is in compliance with all of the latest regulations. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.
Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months tried the product.
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or a day bed to make it a durable bed. 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. It's shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors, which is a great bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your newborn close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and then move down as your little one develops and learns 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 cot is more compact than the other models we have tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It also features a handy side door so you can access it easily for feeding, 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 not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for the comfort of your baby. Choose pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and won't slide like foams. Also, you should consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful 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 place close to your bed when the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It has a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and go down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. 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 fitted mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is great for parents because it will last for as long as your child requires it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also a good value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those with low ceilings or small areas. Its robust build also means it can stand the years and won't be at risk of falling apart as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to wrap their child close to them before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first six month however, many parents find that having their child near them before bedtime calming.
This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, so you can make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great option for parents with low ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted in four positions with an incline option that aids in reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby had spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her younger.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around if required. most recommended cribs 's an ideal fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It's not cheap, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. The cot doesn't include an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to prevent your baby from getting drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your baby through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you select a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you pick, make sure it meets the appropriate requirements for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce dangers of suffocation. You'll need the mattress for your cot that is perfect and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) These should be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. There are all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit high however for parents with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.