The Unspoken Secrets Of Best Cots For Newborns

Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is a bed for your child with high sides to stop them from falling out. They come in a range of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.

The mum tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage compartment, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and robust and is in compliance with all the current guidelines. It's also affordable, and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas is adept at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is no exception. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into a stylish toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through doors of all sizes, which is a great advantage for parents who are strapped for time. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep everything you need for your newborn close in your arms.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights so you can start with a higher base and then move down as your little one grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than other models that we tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you access the room easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to put together and our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up.

Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots and tots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, ensure that the slats are securely secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.

It is essential that your baby cots online has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Look for pocket springs or latex-coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best support and don't shrink like foams. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and make your Baby beds sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with extra features like gentle rocking movements 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 great options, but make sure you purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect for families who intend to use it right from the beginning and place it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It has a compact design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.

One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who need to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It also includes a reflux wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a beautiful cot bed with the Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.

Another option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its robust build also means it will stand the test of time and won't be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find that having their child close to them before bedtime soothing.

This cot is available in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.

As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that will last through the toddler years as well. One tester for parents stated that her child slept in this cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.

The cot is also compact and small and easy to set up and move around. It is a good choice for parents with little space. It could also serve as portable cot. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this crib. We recommend choosing a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to get 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 appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months. It can be converted into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our testers found it would look great in any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent babies from getting their heads trapped. Also, the surface should not be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase a crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It should also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cheap cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.