The Unspoken Secrets Of Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child, which prevents them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple 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 are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is key. This cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all of the latest standards. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is not an exception. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a stylish toddler bed or day bed for long-lasting use. It has 2 different base height positions too making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's also designed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It even comes with a dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high-height base and then lower as your little one develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. top ranked cribs was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
This cot is more sleek than other models that we have tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you get in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to put together, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to have it set up.
When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that are safe. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
It is important that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Find pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover as well, as any soiling will be absorbed directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that you can use from birth and put close to your bed when baby sleeps, this could be the one you're looking for. It's a small design that can easily fit through standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and go down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.
One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is great for parents since it will last for as long as your child needs it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also an excellent value if you consider how long it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together, and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its compact dimensions make it a great choice for those with low ceilings or small space. small cot beds build also means it can stand the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to cuddle their infant close before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great option for parents who have high ceilings that slope and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted into four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.
It's also a sturdy product that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents told us that her baby slept in this crib for two months and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a great option for parents who have limited space and can also be used as a portable cot. It was simple to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's not cheap, but it's worth the investment because of the design and function. You'll need to buy a mattress for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to stop your baby 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. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our sleekest, but it isn't just about appearances. The cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It can also be converted to a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject believed it would work in any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent children from getting their heads trapped. Additionally the surface should not be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress that is ideally sized with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you are looking for a modern alternative, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that can respond to your baby's cries. It gently rocks into the same way as the mother's womb. The cost might be a bit high, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.