Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline option to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all of the latest guidelines. It is also reasonably priced and comes with 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 not an exception. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different base height positions too making it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors which is a major bonus for parents who are strapped for time. There's even a matching dresser and change table to keep all your baby's necessities in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress heights, which means you can start with a higher base and then move down as your child grows and learns to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than the other models we have tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to get in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at how easy it was to set up and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it ready to use.
When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Check that the slats of your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
A high-quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Look for pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. Also, you should purchase a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include extra features, such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, as well as storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful alternative, but be sure to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want an infant crib that can be used from birth and put close to your bed while your the baby sleeps, this could be the one you're searching for. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, which makes it ideal for changing nappy.
One of our mom test participants described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are beneficial features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is great for parents because it will last as long as your child needs it. tots and cots is a gorgeous crib bed with the Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled design. It's easy to put together and has a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the years and won't be at risk of falling apart as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child close prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched 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 in 11 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 tester's parent said that her baby been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
Another benefit is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around as needed. It's a great option for parents with limited space and can also function as a portable cot. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It's expensive but it's worth it for its design and function. The cot doesn't include a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to keep your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the cot frame to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our sleekest models, but it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your newborn through their first 18 months and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our test subject believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you pick, make sure it meets the appropriate requirements for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature in check.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) These should be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find cribs that offer plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a motion that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is high, but it might be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.