Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling off. They come in a range of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different heights for the base which makes it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors and is a huge benefit for parents who are strapped for time. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your newborn close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and then lower as your child grows and begins to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The slats of this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we have tested, which makes it more sleek and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that are safe. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, make sure that the slats are securely fixed to avoid any loose or loose fastenings.
A high-quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not sag. You should also consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this one could be the one you're looking for. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down, perfect for those diaper changes.
It's lightweight and portable, which means it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress that is fitted and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is great for parents because it will last as long as your child requires it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look stunning in your nursery. cots offers 's also an excellent value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's simple to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. 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 crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months, but many parents find that having their child close before bedtime soothing.
This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents said that her baby was in the cot for two babies and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
This cot is also small and small which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's a great option for parents with a limited space and can also function as portable cot. Testers said it was easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything you need for your baby. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and function. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. It's designed to last for their first 18 months. It can also be transformed to a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our testers found it would look great in any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will keep children from snagging their heads. Additionally the surface should not be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase the crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you are seeking a cutting-edge option then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cries. It gently rock the baby to sleep in a motion similar to their mother's womb. The price is steep, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.