Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are many styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage space, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When shopping for a crib, there are a lot of aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This crib is stylish, durable and meets all the latest regulations. It's also affordable and includes an extra mattress.
Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a modern choice for a baby's first room, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors and is a huge bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your newborn close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from the time of birth to about four years old. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket or cot.
The slats of this cot are more spaced apart than other models we tested and makes it more streamlined and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When choosing Mini Cot Bed , look for ones that meet safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A quality mattress for your cot is essential for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the best support and do not sag. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover as well, as any soiling will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots have extra features, such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage space for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a bedside crib that can be used from birth and place close to your bed when the baby sleeps, this could be the one you're seeking. Its compact design can fit through doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.
It is lightweight and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who need to have access to their infant easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. This is a beautiful cot bed with an Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and includes teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the test of time and will not be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months however, many parents find that having their child close to them before bedtime calming.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents with 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 in four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.
While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that should last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester said that her baby used the crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another plus is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around if required. It's an ideal fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's a bit pricey however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. You'll need an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however, 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 converted to a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our testers found it would suit any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to stop infants from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface should not be rough to prevent suffocation. You'll need an cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are made to allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a motion that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit steep however, for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.