Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby that has high sides to stop 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 to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage space, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting to reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep soundly. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. The cot is stylish and robust and meets all the current regulations. It is also reasonably priced, and comes with an extra mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months tried the product.
This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. What's more, it converts into a stylish toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop-side cot. And it's built with a shaped base, so it fits through the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your newborn close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby from birth to around four years of age. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats of this cot are spaced closer together than some of the other models we looked at and makes it more compact and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at how easy it was to put together Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Also, check that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the best support and don't sag. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover too since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like gentle rocking motions to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy essentials (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 for those who would like to use it from the beginning and place it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it with you on vacation if you wish. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who require to have access to their infant easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge, both of which are useful features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from cot life. This is a beautiful crib bed with an Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.
Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its sturdy stature also means it will stand the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months however, many parents find their child close before bedtime soothing.
This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint in a wide range of colors, so you can make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a sturdy product that will last into the toddler years. One tester's mother said that her child had spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.
recommended you read is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around if needed. It's a great choice for parents with a little space. It could also serve as a portable cot. It was simple to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and the functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list, but it's not all about looks. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your newborn through their first 18 months and can be converted into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless, and our tester thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you select, ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate requirements for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as drawers for storage built-in and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are designed for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and often find cot beds that have plenty of storage space without costing a lot.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks them to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. Full Statement is a little expensive, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.