10 Quick Tips For Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling out. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage compartment that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and robust, and it meets all of the latest guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. 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 comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors and is a huge benefit for parents with a tight schedule. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep the essentials for your newborn close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded 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 together than some of the other models we have tested, which makes it more compact and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the diapers. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.
Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that crib sets are firmly fixed to avoid any loose or loose fastenings.
A quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover as well because any dirt will be absorbed directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking motions to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect if you intend to use it right from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.
One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its standalone design is popular with new parents who require to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress that is fitted that are both beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents because it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful crib bed with the Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish paneled design. It's simple to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great option for those with low ceilings or small areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not break like other cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months but many parents find that having their child near them before bedtime soothing.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.
As well as looking attractive, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years as well. One test-taker said that her baby slept in this crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, making it easy to build and move around as needed. It's an ideal fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It's expensive but it's worth it for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend choosing a comfortable, breathable, and snugly fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the cot frame to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list, but it's not all about looks. This cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by adding a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless, and our tester believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized with no gaps around the edges and made from breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a high tech alternative then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cry. It gently lulls them into sleep in an identical way to their mother's womb. The price is a little expensive, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.