Everything You Need To Learn About Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot that is perfect for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline setting to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, keeping baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest regulations. It is also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that will suit any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base so it fits through many standard doors, which is an absolute benefit for busy parents. It even comes with a dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high-height base and then move down as your baby develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
This cot is more streamlined than other models that we tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to set up, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that are safe. To prevent cots and tots from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, make sure that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is important that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Look for pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots include extra features, such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage space for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and put near your bed while baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're seeking. It's a small design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday if you wish. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to have access to their infant easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its elegant panelled design. It's easy to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not break like other cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months but many parents find having their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints and can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice for parents with low ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted to four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a sturdy product that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her baby slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her next.
Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around if required. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the investment because of the design and functionality. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend choosing a comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. With two mattress heights this cot will carry your newborn through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our testers found it would suit any nursery - especially when you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll need a cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space, without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.