just click for source For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which 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 to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
The mom tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline option to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, keeping baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is sleek and durable and is in compliance with all the current guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, that means it can fit through most standard doorways, an absolute benefit for busy parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep everything you need for your baby at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It has two mattress heights, so you can start with a high base and then move down as your child grows and learns to sit up unaided. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or cot.
This cot is more streamlined than other models that we have tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. just click for source features a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents loved the ease with which this cot was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.
Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is crucial that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. Also, you should consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you would like to use it from birth and keep it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It's a small design that fits easily through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
It is lightweight and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who want to be able to reach their baby quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is great for parents since it will last for as long as your child requires it. This is a beautiful cot bed with a Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone with 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 suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six month but many parents find their child close to them before bedtime calming.
The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted into four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last well into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her baby had slept in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.
Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around as required. It is a good choice for parents with a limited space and could also serve as an cot that can be moved around. Testers said it was easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store all your little one's necessities. It's not cheap, but it's worth the investment because of the design and function. The cot doesn't include a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest a firm, breathable and snugly fitting mattress to stop your child from getting suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the more stylish 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 can also be converted 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 when you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you choose, always make sure it meets the appropriate standards for your baby's age group and your home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. You'll need a mattress for your cot that is perfect, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably and you can usually find cot beds with plenty of storage space without costing a lot.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit high however for parents with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.