Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline option to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot has to last through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent standards. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or daybed for long-lasting use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. It's also built with a shaped base, so it fits through the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep all the essentials for your baby to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a high-height base and move down as your baby grows and begins to sit up unaided. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than other models that we've tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that are safe. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are not more than 6 centimeters apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
It is important that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will get into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking motions to aid in settling 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 can be a wonderful alternative, but be sure to only buy additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for those who would like to use it from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into doors with standard frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both useful features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. This is a beautiful cot bed with a Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's easy to put together, and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those with a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. cots offers recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first six months but many parents find that having their child close to them before bedtime soothing.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you'll be able to make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted in four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.
As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years as well. One tester's parent said that her baby spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.
This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to assemble and move around. It is a good choice for parents who have limited space. It can also be used as an cot that can be moved around. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing everything you need for your baby. It's expensive, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this crib. We recommend a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish models, but it's not only about appearances. With two mattress heights this cot will carry your baby through the first 18 months, and be converted into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying 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 bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to stop children from getting their heads stuck. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges and made of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage or side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a way that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is a little steep, but it could be worth it for fussy sleepers.