Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling off. There are numerous styles available including bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage compartment which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a cot, there are many things to consider. From homepage and specifications to design and design. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish and robust and is in compliance with all of the latest guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish option for the baby's first bedroom, with a modern gray finish that is suitable for any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through the majority of doors which is a major bonus for parents with a tight schedule. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep all the essentials for your baby close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more sleek than the other models we have tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you access it easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When you are choosing a cot bed, look for ones that are safe. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A quality cot mattress is also key to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. It is also recommended to purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic options, but make sure you purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a bedside crib that you can use from birth and put near your bed while baby sleeps, this could be the one you're searching for. It has a compact design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.
It's lightweight and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. Its standalone design is popular with new parents who require to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents since it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful crib bed with an Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's easy to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your baby safe. 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 break like other cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to wrap their child close before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can make it a part of your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
While it's attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One test-taker said that her baby was in the cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, making it easy to set up and move around as required. It is a good choice for parents with a limited space and could also serve as an cot that can be moved around. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It's a bit costly, but it's worth the purchase due to its design and the functionality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from getting trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months, and transform into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it would suit any nursery, particularly if you opt for a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches), as this will prevent babies from snagging their heads. Additionally the surface should not be rough in order to avoid suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized without gaps at 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 drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit expensive however for parents with children who are fussy, it could be worth the cost.