Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling off. There are a variety of styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and design. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress.
Gemma is the mother of Boden, 13 months has tested the product.
This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any color scheme. What's more, it converts into a cool toddler bed or a day bed for long-lasting use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop side cot. The shaped base allows it to pass through the majority of doors, which is a great benefit for parents with a tight schedule. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep the essentials for your baby in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The cot is more compact than the other models we tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door so you can reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When you are choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, check that the slats are firmly fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.
A quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover as well, as any soiling will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with extra bonuses like gentle rocking movements to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and put close to your bed when the baby sleeps, this might be what you're seeking. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and down the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
It is lightweight and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms or even on holiday. Its standalone design is popular with new parents who require to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress and a mattress, both of which are 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 gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs 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 great alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and has a handy storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the test of time and will not be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.
The cot comes in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it 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 too much floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a solidly built product that will last into the toddler years. One test-taker stated that her child used the crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
This cot is also small and compact, making it 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. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent investment because of the design and functionality. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. great crib is among the sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it would suit any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, make sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce dangers of suffocation. You'll need to buy the cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. There are all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks them to sleep in a way that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit steep however, for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the cost.