Searching For Inspiration? Check Out Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline option to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. But when shopping for cots to tots there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good cot has to last through newborn stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent standards. It is also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any style. What's more, it converts into a cool toddler bed or day bed to make it a durable bed. It has 2 different base height positions too which makes it easier for babies to reach and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through doors of all sizes which is a major bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your baby to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby from birth to around four years of age. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats of this cot are spaced closer in comparison to other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappies. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are not more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not slide. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with additional features like gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that 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 buy additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for families who would like to use it from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also simple to get up and go down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.
It's lightweight and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress that is fitted, which are both useful features.
It can also be converted into an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked its elegant panelled design. It is easy to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy build means that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like other cribs.
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 suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month but many parents find their child close before bedtime soothing.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot to take 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 to help with reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents said that her baby slept in this cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around if needed. It's a great choice for parents with little space. It can also function as a portable cot. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It's a bit pricey but it's worth it for its style and practicality. You'll need a mattress for this cot. We recommend a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the cot frame to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our most elegant, but it isn't just about looks. This cot is designed to last for their first 18 months. It can also be converted to a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, make sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent dangers of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials that ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot with extra features such as built-in storage, as well as side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and often find cribs that offer plenty of storage space without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a high tech option then the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that can respond to your baby's cries. It gently rocks the baby to sleep in a motion similar to the mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.