Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to stop them from falling out. There are numerous styles available including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline setting to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the best friend of parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all the most recent guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is an excellent illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors which is a major benefit for parents who are strapped for time. There's even a dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights so you can start with a higher base and then move down as your child grows and learns to sit up unaided. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib 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 This makes it more sleek and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to access it easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to set up Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.
Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and don't sag. Also, you should purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you want to use it from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. It has a compact design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down from, perfect for changing nappy.
One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." best crib for newborn means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip should you want to. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents as it will last as long as your child needs it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the years and won't be at risk of falling apart as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child close before going to bed.
This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great option for parents with low ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One parent tester told us that her baby was in the crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around if required. It's a great choice for parents with limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. It was simple to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It's not cheap but it's an excellent purchase due to its design and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this crib. We suggest a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish, but it isn't just about looks. This cot is designed to last for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers 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 a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting trapped. cot bed sales should be smooth to prevent dangers of suffocation. You'll need a crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. 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 then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently lulls them into sleep in the same way as the mother's womb. The cost may be a bit steep however for parents who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.