Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. There are a variety of styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and robust and is in compliance with all the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-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. The shaped base allows it to pass through the majority of doors and is a huge advantage for parents who are time-strapped. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your baby close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to about four years old. great crib has two levels of mattress that allow you to start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
This cot is more streamlined than the other models we tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappy. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When you are choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A high-quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the most support and don't sag. You should also invest in an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional features like adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great options, but make sure you purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a bedside crib that you can use from birth and put near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be what you're looking for. It's a compact design that fits easily through doors with standard frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down the top, making it ideal for changing nappy.
One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight design means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a fitted mattress and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. This is a beautiful crib bed with a Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.
Another option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your baby safe. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its robust build will also ensure it stands the years and won't be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to wrap their child close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a solidly built product that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents told us that her baby used the cot for two babies and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
The cot is also compact and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot, too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It's not cheap, but worth the investment for the look and functionality. You'll need to purchase a mattress for this crib. We suggest an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. great crib should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list however it's not just about appearances. This cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the relevant requirements for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep children's heads from becoming trapped, and the surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy a cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers 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 your lifestyle. The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.