Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling off. There are a variety of styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage space, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and has an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest regulations. It's also affordable and comes with an extra mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden aged 13 months has tested the product.
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a modern choice for the baby's first bedroom with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two heights of the base, making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors which is a major benefit for parents who are strapped for time. There's even a matching dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It has two mattress heights so you can start with a higher base and then move down as your little one grows and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or cot.
This cot is more sleek than other models we've tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by how easy this cot was to put together, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Find cot beds that conform to safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Also, check that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.
It is essential that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not sag. It is also recommended to consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that you can use from birth and place near your bed while baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It's a small design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and go down, making it the perfect choice to change nappy.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant in the early stages. It also includes a reflux wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted, which are both useful features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. This is a gorgeous crib bed with the Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled design. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its compact size makes it a great option for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its robust build also means it can stand the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.
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 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 prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, so you can blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful It's also a sturdy design that will last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her child had been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.
The cot is also compact and small and easy to set up and move around. It's a great choice for parents with little space. It could also serve as an cot that can be moved around. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your baby. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this crib. We suggest a comfortable, breathable, and snugly fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter 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 among the more stylish cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. It's designed to last for their first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our testers found it would look great in any nursery - especially in the event that you decide to purchase an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent babies from getting their heads trapped. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials that ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.
If you're seeking a cutting-edge alternative for your baby, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds your baby's cries. It gently rocks them into sleep in a motion similar to the mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.