10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents 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 to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting that can reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep soundly. But when shopping for one there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all of the latest standards. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. Additionally, tots and cots can be converted into a cool toddler bed or day bed to make it a durable bed. It has 2 different heights for the base which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors and is a huge benefit for parents who are time-strapped. It even comes with a dresser and change table to 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, so you can begin with a higher base and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
The slats of this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we looked at, which makes it more sleek and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents loved how easy this cot was to set up and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.
When selecting a cot, look for ones that meet safety standards. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars no more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
A high-quality mattress for your cot is essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not sag. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots come with extra features like gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you intend to use it right from birth and keep it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It's a compact design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down from the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who need to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress that is fitted, which are both useful features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has a Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled design. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your newborn safe. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its solid construction also means it will stand the test of time and won't be prone to falling apart like some cot beds can.
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 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 babyletto cot Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's mother said that her baby been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.
Another advantage is that this cot is tiny and compact, making it easy to set up and move around if required. It's a great choice for parents with a limited space and could also serve as portable cot. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your baby. It's expensive but it's worth it for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. The cot is made to last for the first 18 months of their life. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our testers found it would look great in any nursery, particularly if you opt for a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you choose, always ensure that it complies with applicable regulations for your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will stop babies from snagging their heads. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy an appropriate cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features, such as built-in storage or removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The price is expensive, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.