Best Cots For NewbornsA cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling off. There are many styles, from bedside
recommended cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's 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 keep baby snug, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is key. The cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all of the latest standards. It is also reasonably priced and includes an extra mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months, tested the product.
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that can be matched to any style. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two heights of the base making it easier to reach baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep your baby's essentials close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high-height base and move down as your little one grows and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or cot.
The slats of this cot are positioned more apart than other models we have tested This makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappy. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that are safe. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped, all
cots 4 tots should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.
A good quality mattress for a cot is also essential for the comfort of your baby. Look for pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best support and won't slide like foams. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover too because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some
affordable cots are also equipped with extra features, such as gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for families who want to use it from birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors that have standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down the top, making it ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to be able to reach their baby easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it means 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 lovely in your nursery. It's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that help keep your baby secure. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy build means that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like other cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This
crib sets for bed is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.
This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, so you'll be able to make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents who have low ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester's mother said that her child had spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
Another advantage is that this
cot sale is tiny and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around when needed. It's a great option for parents who have little space. It could also serve as portable cot. It was easy to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent purchase due to its design and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to keep your child from being suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list, but it's not all about appearances. With two mattress heights the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our test subject found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you select a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you pick, ensure that it is in compliance with the relevant requirements for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches), as this will stop infants from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to avoid suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as drawers for storage built-in and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle.