Everything You Need To Learn About Best Cots For Newborns
Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's Best cot for newborn friend, keeping baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When you are looking for a cheap cot bed, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It comes with two different base height positions too, making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through doors of all sizes which is a major advantage for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a matching dresser and change table to keep all your baby's necessities in one place.
2. SnuzFino infant cot bed Bed
This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher level and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The cot is more compact than other models we've tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door, allowing you to get in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Find pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. Also, you should invest in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses, such as gentle rocking movements to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you would like to use it from the beginning and place it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into doors that have standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice to change nappy.
It is lightweight and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms or even on holiday. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is great for parents as it will last for as long as your child needs it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It is easy to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. It's small size makes it an ideal option for people with low ceilings or small space. Its robust build also means it can stand the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to snuggle their baby up close before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.
The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot taking up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted in four positions and includes an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby had spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, making it easy to put together and move around when required. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's not Cheap baby cots for sale however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend an airy, firm mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the cot frame to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about looks. It's designed to last for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you pick, ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate standards for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll need the cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features such as built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably and often find sale cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The cost is a bit steep, but it could be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.