Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby that has high sides to keep them from falling out. There are numerous styles available from cribs for bed to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage compartment, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline setting that can reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be a parent's best friend. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When you are looking for a crib, there are a lot of aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This crib is stylish, durable and meets all the latest regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress.
Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months has tested the product.
Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is no exception. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with modern grey finishes that suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It has 2 different heights of the base which makes it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great bonus for parents who are strapped for time. It even comes with a dresser and change table to keep all your baby's necessities close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can start with a high base and move down as your baby develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The slats of this cot are spaced closer in comparison to other models we have tested, which makes it more sleek and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to access it easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to set up and our tester took only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Find cot beds that conform to safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is crucial that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not sag. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover as well, as any soiling will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (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
If you're looking for an infant crib that can be used from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're searching for. It's a small design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
It is lightweight and portable, which means it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant during the first few days. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, 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 since it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a gorgeous cot bed with an Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked its elegant panelled design. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact dimensions make it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents with low ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted into four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.
While it's attractive It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years as well. One tester for parents stated that her child used the cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around if required. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's a bit pricey but it's worth it for its design and function. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to buy one separately. We suggest a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches smaller than the cot frame to avoid your child being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our most elegant models, but it's not just about looks. With two mattress heights the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months, and even convert into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our testers found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you select, make sure it meets the applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll need a crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
Although it's tempting to purchase 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&Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are simply made to allow your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and you can usually find cribs that offer plenty of storage without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks their body to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.