Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that stops 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 cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and has an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When looking for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all the most recent guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through doors of all sizes which is a major benefit for parents who are time-strapped. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your newborn close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from birth to around four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and then move down as your little one grows and learns to sit up unaided. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than the other models we tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappies. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is important that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the best support and don't sag. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (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 are fantastic 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 have it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's a small design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between rooms or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It comes with a fitted mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted into an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. 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 old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and includes a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for those with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months but many parents find their child close to them before bedtime soothing.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints and can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. great crib 's also a good choice for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester told us that her baby used the cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to build and move around if needed. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and functionality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to keep your baby from becoming suffocated. 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 stylish, but it isn't just about appearances. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months. It can even convert into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. You'll need to buy a crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) These should be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are designed for your baby to sleep safely and comfortably and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The price is expensive, but it could be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.