Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the perfect companion for parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest standards. It's also priced reasonably, and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this crib is not an exception. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-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. And it's built with a shaped base, so it fits through many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's even a dresser/changer to keep all your baby's necessities close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It has two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a higher base and move down as your child 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.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When you are choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
It is important that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not sag. You should also purchase an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features like gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). cheap cot beds are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this one could be the one you're searching for. It's a small design that can easily fit through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build means you can 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 be able to access their baby easily during the first few days. It also includes a reflux wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover, which are both useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also an excellent value if you consider how long it will be used for.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and includes teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy stature also means it will stand the years and won't be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.
The cot comes in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in eleven different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years as well. One tester for parents told us that her baby was in the cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around as required. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything your baby needs. It is a bit expensive however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and functionality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest a firm, breathable and snugly fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our most stylish, 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 even convert into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you select, make sure it meets the applicable regulations for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will prevent infants from getting their heads stuck. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features like built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you are looking for a high tech alternative, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds your baby's cry. It gently rocks them into sleep in the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit expensive, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.