Five Things You Didn t Know About Best Cots For Newborns

Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

The mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage compartment that is perfect for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline option to reduce reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one there's plenty to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and robust and is in compliance with all the current guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that is suitable for any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also built with a shaped base which means it can be used in the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's even a matching dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed (secret info)

This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to around four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can start with a higher base and then move down as your child develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.

The cot is more compact than other models we've tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed, change nappies or change diapers. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Check that the slats of your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential for the comfort of your baby. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. It is also recommended to consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with additional features like gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (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 can be a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside crib sets

If you want a bedside crib that you can use from birth and keep near your bed while baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're looking for. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down from it, which is ideal for changing nappy.

It's light and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who need to have access to their infant easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.

It can also be converted to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also a good value considering the length of time it will be used for.

Another option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it a great choice for those with low ceilings or small spaces. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside lets parents snuggle their infant cot bed close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.

This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot to take up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in eleven different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her baby had spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.

The cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to assemble and move around. It's a great choice for parents with a limited space. It can also function as a portable cot. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's not cheap baby cots for sale but it's an excellent investment because of the design and the functionality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to keep your baby from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the cot frame to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our most elegant models, but it's not just about looks. The cot is designed to last for their first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it would suit any nursery - especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, make sure it is in line with the rules that apply to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.

It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing 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 best cots are designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably and often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rock their body to sleep in a motion that resembles the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit steep, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.