A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child, which prevents them from falling off. There are many styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage space which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. The cot is stylish and robust, and it meets all the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that will suit any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different base height positions too which makes it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's also designed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's even a dresser/changer to keep all your baby's necessities close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to around four years old. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer together than some of the other models we tested and makes it more streamlined and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to set up Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.
When selecting a cot, look for ones that are safe. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A good quality mattress for your cot is essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not slide. It is also recommended to invest in an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra features like gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you want to use it from the beginning and place it near your bed as baby sleeps. It has a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down from it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.
One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it between rooms or even take it on a trip should you want to. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both beneficial features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents as it will last as long as your child needs it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also an excellent value if you consider how long it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish paneled appearance. It's simple to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its solid construction also means it can stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find having their child close to them before bedtime calming.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted to four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.
As well as looking attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One tester for parents said that her baby used the crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
This cot is also small and compact, making it easy to assemble and move around. It's a good fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It is a bit expensive however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and function. The cot isn't equipped with an mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about looks. It's designed to last for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed to a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it would suit any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you pick, ensure that it complies with appropriate standards for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop children's heads from becoming trapped, and the surface must be smooth to reduce dangers of suffocation. You'll need a mattress for your cot that is perfect, with no 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 you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot with extra features, such as built-in storage, as well as removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is high, but it might be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.
