Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling off. There are a variety of styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage space that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has 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. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed or day bed to make it a durable bed. It comes with two base height positions too making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors which is a major bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a matching dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby from birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start 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 in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The slats on this cot are positioned more apart than other models we looked at and makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappy. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is crucial that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will get into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (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 the beginning and place it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a compact design that can easily fit through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.
One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who require to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents since it will last as long as your child requires it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also a good value when you consider 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 stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height settings that help keep your baby safe. Its small dimensions make it a great choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not break like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept 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 is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted to four different positions. Continuing includes an incline for reflux.
While it's attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One tester for parents told us that her baby slept in this crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another advantage is that this cot is small and compact, making it easy to build and move around when needed. It's a great option for parents with limited space and can also function as a portable cot. Testers said it was easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It's a bit pricey but it's worth it for its style and practicality. This cot doesn't come with an mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and snugly fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the cot frame to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish models, but it's not just about appearances. It's made to last for the first 18 months. It can also be converted to a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you choose, always make sure it meets the appropriate standards for your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop babies from getting their heads stuck. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need the crib 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 buying 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). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. There are visit the next website page -in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit expensive however for parents with children who are fussy, it could be worth the cost.