Why You Must Experience Best Cots For Newborns At A Minimum, Once In Your Lifetime
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to keep them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. Cots 4 Tots keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. But when shopping for one there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is key. The cot is stylish and robust and meets all of the latest guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any color scheme. What's more, it converts into a cool toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It comes with two base height positions too making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through most standard doors, which is a great benefit for parents with a tight schedule. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your baby close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer together than some of the other models we tested This makes it more compact and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappy. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars no more than 6cm apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is important that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not slide. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will be absorbed directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra features, such as gentle rocking motions to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful options, but make sure you purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you intend to use it right from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
It is lightweight and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant during the first few days. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are 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 for as long as your child will need it. This is a gorgeous cot bed with a Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for a long time and not break like other cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six month however, many parents find having their child close to them before bedtime calming.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice for parents who have sloped 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 tilted into four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.
It's also a well-constructed product that will last into the toddler years. One test-taker told us that her baby was in the crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around if required. It's a good fit for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store all your little one's necessities. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for the look and functionality. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to prevent your baby from getting trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the cot frame to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant models, but it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months and can even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it would look great in any nursery, particularly when you choose an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy an cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features like built-in storage, as well as side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply made to allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a modern alternative for your baby, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that can respond to your baby's cry. It gently lulls into an identical way to the mother's womb. The price is high, but it might be worth it for fussy sleepers.