Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. There are numerous styles available from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the best friend of parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are looking for a cot, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all the most recent regulations. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different heights for the base which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors and is a huge benefit for parents who are time-strapped. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress that allow you to start with a higher level 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 on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we have tested This makes it more sleek and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents loved how easy it was to set up, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.
When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that are safe. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A quality mattress for your cot is essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Look for pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they provide the most support and won't slide like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will get into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features that include gentle rocking motions that help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place close to your bed while your the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're searching for. It has a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down from the top, making it ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip should you want to. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who need to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
mini cotbed will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is great for parents because it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a beautiful cot bed that has an Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its solid construction also means it can stand the test of time and will not be prone to falling apart as some cot beds are.
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 before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted into four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful It's also a sturdy design that will last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her baby been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
The cot is also compact and small, making it easy to assemble and move around. It's a great choice for parents who have limited space and can also function as a portable cot. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent investment because of the design and function. The cot isn't equipped with an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend choosing a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your newborn through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) 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 a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure that it complies with the rules that apply to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy the right cot mattress that is ideally sized with no gaps around the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb.
Baby Cot Bed may be a bit steep, but for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.