Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
nursery cots loved the cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest regulations. It's also priced reasonably and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is a master at creating practical and 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 will suit any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high-height base and then lower as your baby develops and learns 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 pick for parents.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we tested This makes it more sleek and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed, change nappies or change diapers. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that are safe. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Check that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not slide. It is also recommended to invest in an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with extra features, such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage space for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only purchase additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for an infant crib that can be used from birth and put near your bed while baby sleeps, this might be what you're searching for. It's a small design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday if you wish. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to have access to their infant quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both beneficial features.
best cots uk can also be converted into a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a gorgeous cot bed with the Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's simple to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six month however, many parents find having their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.
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 a great choice for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline which aids in reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years as well. One tester's mother said that her baby had been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her next.
Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around as required. It is a good choice for parents with a little space. It can also be used as a portable cot. It was simple to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile investment because of the design and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our most elegant, but it isn't just about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months. It can even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our test-run showed that it is suitable for any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it meets the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will prevent babies from getting their heads stuck. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to buying 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 and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely, and you can often find cot beds that have plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking for a high tech option then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that responds to your baby's crying. It gently lulls the baby to sleep in the same way as their mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.