The Next Big Thing In The Best Cots For Newborns Industry
Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. There are a variety of styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be a parent's best friend. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all the current regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base so it fits through most standard doorways, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your baby at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow 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 move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats of this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we have tested and makes it more sleek and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to reach in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.
Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars that are not more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is essential that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and do not slide. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will get into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, as well as storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only buy additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and put close to your bed when baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're searching for. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It is also easy to get up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.
It's light and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms or even on holiday. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to access their baby easily during the first few days. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover, which are both useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked its elegant panelled design. It's simple to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby secure. Its compact dimensions make it a great option for those with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its solid construction also means it will stand the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six month but many parents find their child close to them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This crib from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's also a good option 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 for reflux.
While it's attractive It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her child used the crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around when required. It's a great option for parents who have little space. It can also be used as a portable cot. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's a bit pricey however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. Baby Cot should be a couple of inches smaller than the cot frame to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about looks. The cot is designed to last for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it would look great in any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent children from getting their heads stuck. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent being suffocated. Also, you'll need to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but 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 that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit high, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.