Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline setting that can reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When shopping for a there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. cheap cot beds should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and sturdy and is in compliance with all of the latest regulations. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different heights of the base which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also built with a shaped base, that means it can fit through most standard doorways, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep all the essentials for your baby in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher level and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
This cot is more sleek than other models we have tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the diapers. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to set up, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.
Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and don't sag. You should also consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses like gentle rocking movements to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful options, but make sure you purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a bedside 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. Its compact design fits into doors with standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and go down, making it perfect for changing nappy.
It's light and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who require to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
It also converts to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. This is a beautiful cot bed with an Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's simple to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its small size makes it an ideal option for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. 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 baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month but many parents find having their child close to them before bedtime soothing.
The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. 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 well into the toddler years. One test-taker stated that her child used the crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another advantage is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around when needed. It is a good choice for parents with little space. It can also function as portable cot. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store all your little one's necessities. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for an airy, firm mattress that is fitted to prevent your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about looks. The cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it would look great in any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate regulations for your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches), as this will stop children from getting their heads stuck. Also, the surface should not be rough to avoid being suffocated. You'll need an cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a high tech option then the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cry. It gently lulls them into sleep in an identical way to the womb of their mother. The price is a little high, but it might be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.