Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling out. There are numerous styles available including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline option to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When shopping for a there's plenty to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all of the latest regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.
Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or daybed for long-lasting use. It comes with two different heights for the base making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also built with a shaped base, so it fits through many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It even comes with a dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher level and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib , cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than other models we've tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to set up, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to get it set up.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose comply with safety standards. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.
It is important that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover too since any dirt or soil will get into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features like gentle rocking motions that help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a bedside crib that you can use from birth and place near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who require to have access to their infant quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from cot life. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has the Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and includes a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it an ideal choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its robust construction means it will last for many years and will not fall apart like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months, but many parents find having their child close to them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This cot is available in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched 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 a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's mother said that her baby had slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her next.
The cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It is a good choice for parents who have limited space and can also be used as an cot that can be moved around. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It is a bit expensive however it's a worthwhile investment because of the design and function. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend choosing a comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the cot frame to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not just about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months. It can be converted into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. You'll also need to buy the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges and made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features such as built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt 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 may be a bit expensive, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.