Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby with high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are numerous styles available, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline option to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be a parent's best friend. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good cot has to last through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also priced reasonably, and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is no exception. It's a stylish option for your baby's first room with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It has 2 different heights for the base, making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors which is a major advantage for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and move down as your little one develops and learns to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than other models that we have tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to reach in easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A good quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the best support and do not slide. You should also consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for those who want to use it from the beginning and place it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.
watch this video of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are 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 requires it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired styles that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also an excellent value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent option. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's simple to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not break like other cot-beds.
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 before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.
This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, so you can blend it into your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed product that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her baby been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.
Another advantage is that this cot is tiny and compact, making it easy to put together and move around as required. It is a good choice for parents with limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. It was simple to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It is a bit expensive however it's a worthwhile cost due to the design and functionality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to prevent your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant, but it isn't just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months and can even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent dangers of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features like built-in storage, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a modern option, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying. It gently lulls them into sleep in an identical way to the womb of their mother. The cost might be a bit high however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.
