Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your child with high sides to stop them from falling out. They come in a range of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. However, when you're looking for one there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent standards. It's also priced reasonably and comes with an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this crib is not an exception. It's a chic option for your baby's first room with a contemporary gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors and is a huge advantage for parents who are strapped for time. It even comes with a dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby from 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 learns to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we have tested, which makes it more compact and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can get in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for the comfort of your baby. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the best support and don't sag. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover too, as any soiling will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as 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 safely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for families who would like to use it from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into doors that have standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, making it perfect for nappy changing.
It is lightweight and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who need to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a fitted mattress, which are both useful features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. This is a beautiful crib bed with an Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that help keep your newborn safe. Its small dimensions make it a great option for people who have sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not fall apart like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month however, many parents find that having their child close prior to bedtime relaxing.
This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby had slept in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.
This cot is also compact and compact which makes it easy to put together and move around. It is a good choice for parents with limited space and could also serve as an cot that can be moved around. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. small cot beds 's a bit pricey however, it's well worth the cost for the look and functionality. This cot doesn't come with an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We suggest settling for a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to stop your child from being suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list, but it's not all about looks. It's made to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery - especially if you opt for a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent babies from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps around the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features, such as built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. There are many all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.
If you're seeking a cutting-edge option then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries. It gently rocks into the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.