Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline option to reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, keeping baby safe and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for Baby beds to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good cot should be able to last through the infant stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is crucial. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent guidelines. It is also reasonably priced and comes with an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a contemporary choice for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or a day bed to make it a durable bed. It has 2 different heights for the base which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep the essentials for your baby close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high-height base and move down as your baby grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more sleek than other models that we've tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to set up Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up.
When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that meet safety standards. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and do not sag. It is also recommended to consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only buy additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for an infant crib that you can use from birth and keep close to your bed while your the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It's compact design fits through standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
It's light and portable, so it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress that is fitted and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is great for parents as it will last for as long as your child needs it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's simple to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your baby safe. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone with a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its robust build will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to wrap their child close to them before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months however, many parents find having their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.
The cot comes in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted in four positions with an incline option that aids in reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents stated that her child slept in this cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
The cot is also compact and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a great option for parents with a limited space and can also function as portable cot. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It's expensive but it's worth it for its design and function. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for an airy, firm mattress that is fitted to keep your baby from getting drowned. 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 among our most stylish models, but it's not only about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) 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 table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, always make sure it meets the applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches), as this will prevent babies from getting their heads trapped. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you are looking for a modern alternative then the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently rocks into an identical way to the womb of their mother. The cost is a bit steep, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.