Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline setting that can help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When you are looking for a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and spec to design and design. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent standards. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.
Gemma is the mother of Boden, 13 months, tested the product.
This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. 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 fit through the majority of doors and is a huge advantage for parents with a tight schedule. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep the essentials for your baby at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher level and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The slats of this cot are positioned more apart than other models we looked at and makes it more sleek and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by how easy this cot was to set up, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to have it set up.
When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Find pocket springs or latex-coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover too since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with additional features like gentle rocking motions that help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for those who want to use it from birth and have it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a compact design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down the top, making it ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents because it will last as long as your child needs it. This is a gorgeous cot bed with an Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It is easy to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. It's small size makes it a great option for people with low ceilings or small areas. Its solid construction will also ensure it stands the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close to them before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months but many parents find their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her child slept in this crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another advantage is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to build and move around as needed. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It's expensive, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend an airy, firm and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest models, but it's not just about appearances. This cot is designed to last for their first 18 months. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it would suit any nursery - especially if you opt for an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent babies from snagging their heads. Additionally great crib be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need an cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It should also be made of air-tight materials to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that has extra features like built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed for your baby to rest comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit steep, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.