Everything You Need To Be Aware Of Best Cots For Newborns

Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to stop them from falling out. There are numerous styles available, from bedside cribs 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 comes with an incline setting that can aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend, keeping baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is essential. This cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all of the latest standards. It's also affordable and comes with an extra 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 modern option for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop-side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base which means it can be used in the majority of doors, an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

The slats of this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we tested and makes it more compact and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It has a convenient side door that allows you to get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.

Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, check that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or rusty fastenings.

A good quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Find pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses as they provide the most support and won't slide like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

nursery cots come with extra features that include gentle rocking movements to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful addition, but remember to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you would like to use it from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through standard door frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, making it perfect for changing nappy.

It is lightweight and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant during the first few days. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge, both of which are useful features.

It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. This is a beautiful crib bed with the Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's simple to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small dimensions make it a great option for people with low ceilings or small areas. Its solid construction also means it can stand the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to wrap their child close before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child close prior to putting them to sleep.

This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you'll be able to match it to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents who have high ceilings that slope and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.


As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years as well. One test-taker stated that her child slept in this crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

Another advantage is that this cot is small and compact, making it easy to set up and move around if required. It's a great option for parents with little space. It can also be used as portable cot. It was easy to assemble and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold everything your baby needs. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for the look and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this cot. We suggest a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest, but it isn't just about looks. The cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you opt for an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you select, ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable regulations for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll need to purchase an cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot with extra features such as built-in storage or side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock their body to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit steep, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.

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Pub: 30 Sep 2024 02:19 UTC
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