Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage space, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline option to aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and toddlerhood, so longevity is crucial. great crib is stylish and sturdy and is in compliance with all the current standards. It's also priced reasonably, and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a modern choice for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll suit any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop side cot. It's also designed with a shaped base which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is a real bonus for time-stretched parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep all the essentials for your newborn close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than other models we have tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that allows you to reach in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappies. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to set up Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it ready to use.
When selecting a cot, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, make sure that the slats are firmly fixed to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
A quality cot mattress is also key to ensure your baby's comfort. 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 consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for an infant crib that can be used from birth and keep near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be what you're searching for. It's a small design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down from, perfect for changing nappy.
cot sets is lightweight and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms or even on holiday. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to access their baby easily in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents as it will last as long as your child requires it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and comes with an excellent storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its solid construction also means it will stand the years and won't be prone to falling apart as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to take up 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 well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. One test-taker told us that her baby used the cot for two babies and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
This cot is also compact and compact which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot, too. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that held all of your baby's essentials. It's not cheap, but it's worth the cost due to the design and the functionality. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for this cot. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to keep your baby from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being capable of climbing 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 your newborn for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would look great in any nursery, particularly if you opt for a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you pick, ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable standards for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent children's heads from becoming trapped, and the surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps around the edges and made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you are looking for a high tech option for your baby, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently rock into an identical way to the womb of their mother. The price is steep, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.