Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
The mum tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot that is perfect for 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 a new parent's best friend, keeping baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot has to last through newborn stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest standards. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden aged 13 months tried the product.
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that will suit any color scheme. It can also be converted into a stylish toddler bed or day bed to make it a durable bed. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in most standard doorways, an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's even a dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth until around four years of age. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket, cot or crib.
This cot is more sleek than other models that we have tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the diapers. Parents were amazed at how easy it was to put together, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it set up.
Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is crucial that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the most support and do not slide. It is also recommended to invest in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as gentle rocking movements to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like 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're looking for a bedside crib that can be used from birth and keep near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It's a small design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
It's light and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms or even during a trip. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who require to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It also includes a reflux wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its solid construction also means it can stand the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to make it a part of your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester for parents told us that her baby slept in this cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around when needed. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot too. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held all of your baby's essentials. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest a firm, breathable and snugly fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our most elegant, but it isn't just about appearances. This cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would look great in any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you pick, ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent infants from getting their heads stuck. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy the cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features, such as built-in storage, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). cots offers allow your baby to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. There are all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.
If you are seeking a cutting-edge alternative, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rocks them into sleep in a motion similar to their mother's womb. The price is high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.