A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child, which prevents them from falling off. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/750/maxi-cosi-iora-co-sleeper-crib-foldable-baby-bedside-crib-0-6-months-max-9-kg-4-incline-5-height-positions-easy-slide-comfortable-mattress-large-basket-easy-to-carry-essential-graphite-75.jpg)Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline option to reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are many things to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent guidelines. It's also priced reasonably, and includes an extra mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months has tested the product.
This cot is an excellent illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. What's more, it converts 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 pass through the majority of doors and is a huge advantage for parents who are time-strapped. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The cot is more compact than the other models we've tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappies. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to set up Our tester took just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
A good quality mattress for your cot is essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best infant cribs support and don't sag like foams. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some online cots have extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great option, but make sure to only purchase additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you intend to use it right from birth and have it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
It's light and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that 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 as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful cot bed sales bed with the Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's simple to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby secure. It's small dimensions make it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months, but many parents find having their child close before bedtime calming.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option 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 tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester said that her baby slept in this crib for two years and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
This cot is also small and small which makes it easy to put together and move around. It's a great choice for parents with limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It's a bit costly, but it's worth the investment because of the design and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this cot. We suggest a comfortable, breathable, and snugly fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest models, but it's not only about appearances. It's designed to last for the first 18 months. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you select a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure it meets the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting trapped, and the surface must be smooth to reduce suffocation risks. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage or removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/780/costway-baby-bedside-crib-easy-folding-cot-bed-with-mattress-all-side-mesh-storage-shelf-and-travel-bag-height-adjustable-newborn-sleeper-for-birth-to-9kg-dark-grey-780.jpg)If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The price is a little expensive, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.
