Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and toddlerhood, so longevity is crucial. The cot is stylish and robust and is in compliance with all of the latest guidelines. It is also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Gemma is the mother of Boden 13 months old tried the product.
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is not an exception. It's a contemporary choice for a baby's first room, with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through doors of all sizes which is a major bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a matching dresser/changer to keep all your baby's necessities close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can begin with a high-height base and move down as your little one develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we looked at and makes it more sleek and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that are safe. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
It is crucial that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not slide. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover too because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots include extra features, such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, as well as storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great option, but make sure to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
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 one might be just what you're looking for. It's a small design that easily fits into doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it on holiday should you want to. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to access their baby easily in the early stages. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is great for parents since it will last as long as your child needs it. This is a beautiful crib bed with the Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in 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 sturdy stature also means it can stand the test of time and will not be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them before 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 it soothing to have their child close before they go to sleep.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice for parents who have low ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted in four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her baby slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, making it easy to set up and move around as required. It is a good choice for parents with limited space and can also be used as an cot that can be moved around. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, which means you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend opting for an airy, firm mattress that fits snugly to stop your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the cot frame to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your baby through the first 18 months. It can transform into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, make sure it is in line with the rules that apply to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce suffocation risks. You'll also need to buy the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage or removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). crib sets are simply designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely and you can usually find cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.
If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit high however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.