The Secret Secrets Of Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to stop them from falling out. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage compartment that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline setting that can reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good cot has to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all of the latest guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different base height positions too making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great benefit for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by 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 move down as your child grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than the other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you access the room easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. Also, you should purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features like gentle rocking motions to 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 fantastic additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for an infant crib that you can use from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're seeking. It has a compact design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down from the top, making it ideal for changing nappy.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a fitted mattress, which are both useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is great for parents since it will last for as long as your child requires it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It is easy to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone with a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its robust construction means it will last for many years and will not break like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. cot sale advises that newborns should be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before they go to sleep.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up too much floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her child slept in this crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around as needed. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to assemble and testers were impressed by the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list, but it's not all about looks. The cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed to a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery - especially in the event that you decide to purchase an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable regulations for your baby's age group and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep babies' heads from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. You'll need to buy a crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in one cot beds with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.