Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling off. There are many styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for blankets and sheets. best cot beds 's also simple to set up and includes an incline option to aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When you are looking for a cot, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is essential. The cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all of the latest standards. It's also affordable, and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish option for your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that is suitable for any style. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also has 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 built with a shaped base which means it can be used in the majority of doors, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep everything you need for your baby in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how 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 sleek than other models that we tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappies. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
It is essential that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Look for pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. It is also recommended to purchase a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, as well as storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect if you intend to use it right from the beginning and place it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It's a small design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
It's lightweight and portable, meaning you can easily move it between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both beneficial features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is great for parents since it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a gorgeous crib bed with a Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and includes teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy build means that it will last for a long time and not fall apart like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to wrap their child close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months however, many parents find their child close before bedtime calming.
This cot is available in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents who have high ceilings that slope and do not want to take up 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 that helps with reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last into the toddler years. One test-taker stated that her child slept in this crib for two months and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
The cot is also compact and small and easy to set up and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest an airy, firm and snugly fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish models, but it's not only about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months, and transform into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it is suitable for any nursery, especially when you choose a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the rules that apply to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent babies from getting their heads stuck. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need a mattress for your cot that is perfect without gaps around the edges. It must also be made from fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage or side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. There are many all-in one cot beds with 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 includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rocks into the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit steep, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.