Looking For Inspiration? Check Out Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for 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. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern choice for a baby's first room, with a modern grey finish that'll suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-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. It's also designed with a shaped base, that means it can fit through most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's even a dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials 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 lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The slats on this cot are more spaced in comparison to other models we looked at, which makes it more streamlined and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you access the room easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappy. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to set up Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.
Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A quality mattress for your cot is essential for the comfort of your baby. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the best support and do not sag. It is also recommended to consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra features 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 wonderful option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for families who want to use it from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's a small design that can easily fit through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down from the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
It's lightweight and portable, which means you can move it easily between rooms or even during a trip. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who require to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to move on from cot life. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It's simple to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its small size makes it an ideal option for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its sturdy build means that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some 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 kept in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
While it's attractive, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years too. One test-taker said that her baby was in the crib for two months and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around if required. It's a great option for parents with limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. It was easy to assemble and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for its design and function. The cot doesn't include a mattress, which means you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to prevent your child from being drowned. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant models, but it's not only about appearances. The cot is designed to last for their first 18 months. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
cots and tots what kind of cot you pick, ensure that it complies with appropriate regulations 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 trapped. The surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&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 many all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you are seeking a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds your baby's cries. It gently rocks into the same way as the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit expensive, but for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.