Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are a variety of styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline setting that can reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the best friend of parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old has tested the product.
Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this crib is not an exception. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that can be matched to any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed 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 child than a traditional drop side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in the majority of doors, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's even a matching dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
This cot is more streamlined than the other models we have tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to access it easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Find pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't shrink like foams. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will get into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a bedside crib that can be used from birth and put near your bed while baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're seeking. It's a compact design that can easily fit through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it between rooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its standalone design 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 also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover, which are both useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents because it will last for as long as your child will need it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also a good value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's easy to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its small size makes it a great option for those with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.
This babyletto cot Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, so you can blend it into the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents with sloped ceilings 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 and includes an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's mother said that her baby been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.
This cot is also small and compact which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything your baby needs. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for its design and function. The cot isn't equipped with an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We suggest an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the cot frame to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. visit link is among the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. It's designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it is suitable for any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
Whatever cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the rules that apply to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop infants from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface should not be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably and often find cot beds that have plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech option then 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 replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.