best cots for newborns (telegra.ph)

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling out. There are many styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. And a good cot needs to last through the infant stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is essential. The cot is sleek and durable and is in compliance with all of the latest guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with an extra mattress.

Gemma, mother of Boden aged 13 months has tested the product.

Mamas&Papas is a master at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this crib is not an exception. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any color scheme. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It has 2 different base height positions too, making it easier to reach baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great advantage for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a dresser/changer to keep all your newborn essentials close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer together than some of the other models we tested This makes it more sleek and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to set up and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.

Make sure that the cot bed you choose comply with safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.

It is important that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not sag. It is also most recommended cribs to consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots have additional features like adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for an infant crib that can be used from birth and keep close to your bed when the baby sleeps, this might be what you're seeking. It has a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.

One of our mom test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to have access to their infant easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.

The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed which is great for parents since it will last for as long as your child requires it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also good value for money when you consider the length of time it will be used for.

Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It is easy to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or with sloped ceilings. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.

This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

While it's attractive, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years as well. One tester's mother said that her baby been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her next.

This cot is also small and small and easy to put together and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held all of your baby's essentials. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress for this cot. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that is fitted to stop your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most recommended cribs elegant models, but it's not just about looks. The cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be converted to a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our test subject found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you opt for the matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter which cot you choose, make sure it meets the regulations applicable to your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.

It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot with extra features like built-in storage or side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.

If you are looking for a high tech alternative then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rocks them into sleep in the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.