Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are numerous styles available, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage space which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set-up and comes with an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are many things to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all of the latest guidelines. It is also reasonably priced, and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any style. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or a day bed to make it a durable bed. hop over to these guys has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop side cot. And it's built with a shaped base so it fits through most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your baby close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can begin with a higher base and move down as your baby grows and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
The slats on this cot are more spaced in comparison to other models we looked at and makes it more sleek 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 nappies. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, ensure that the slats are securely fixed to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.
A quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Look for pocket springs or latex-coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and won't slide like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover as well because any dirt will be absorbed directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for those who intend to use it right from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors that have standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who require to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents as it will last as long as your child requires it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked its elegant panelled design. It's simple to put together, and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for those with low ceilings or small areas. Its robust construction means it will last for many years and will not break like other cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months but many parents find having their child close to them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This babyletto cot Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you'll be able to match it to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents with low ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted to four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.
As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that is built to last the toddler years too. One test-taker said that her baby was in the crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around when needed. It's a great option for parents with a little space. It can also function as a portable cot. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep everything you need for your baby. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to prevent your child from being drowned. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the most stylish cots we have on our list however it's not just about looks. This cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, make sure it meets the relevant standards for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce suffocation risks. You'll need to buy a mattress for your cot that is perfect without gaps around the edges. It should also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features such as built-in storage, as well as side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit high however for parents who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.