The Hidden Secrets Of Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling out. There are many styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set-up and has an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. The cot is sleek and durable and meets all the current guidelines. It's also priced reasonably, and comes with an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any style. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. 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. Its unique shape allows it to pass through most standard doors, which is a great bonus for parents who are time-strapped. There's even a dresser/changer to keep all your baby's necessities close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit up 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.
This cot is more streamlined than the other models we've tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the diapers. Parents loved how easy this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose comply with safety standards. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, make sure that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or rusty fastenings.
A good quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the best support and don't sag. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
best cots are also equipped with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great addition, but remember to only buy additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for those who would like to use it from the beginning and place it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It is also easy to get up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their newborn in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are beneficial features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is great for parents since it will last as long as your child needs it. It's a beautiful 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.
This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. best cots is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's simple to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your newborn safe. Its small size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its robust build also means it can stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find that having their child close to them before bedtime calming.
This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, so you can blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up too much floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed product that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents said that her baby 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 compact which makes it easy to put together and move around. It's a great option for parents who have limited space and can also be used as an cot that can be moved around. Testers said it was easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's not cheap but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. The cot doesn't include an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We suggest an airy, firm and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our most elegant, but it isn't just about looks. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your baby through the first 18 months, and transform into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep children's heads from becoming trapped. The surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like drawers for storage built-in and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The price is steep, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.