Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby that has high sides to keep them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure 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's also simple to set up and has an incline setting that can help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot has to last through the newborn stage and toddlerhood, so longevity is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest standards. It is also reasonably priced, and comes with an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that can be matched to any style. 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 safer and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through most standard doors which is a major advantage for parents who are time-strapped. It even comes with a dresser and change table to keep all your baby's necessities close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from birth to around four years old. It has two levels of mattress that allow you to start with a higher level and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
This cot is more sleek than other models that we have tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also features a handy side door so you can get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Baby Cot Bed loved how easy it was to set up Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.
Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure 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.
It is crucial that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not slide. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will get into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking movements to help your baby settle (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 can be 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 perfect if you intend to use it right from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into doors that have standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, making it perfect to change nappy.
It's light and portable, meaning you can easily move it between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents as it will last for as long as your child requires it. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has the Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's simple to put together and comes with an excellent storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.
The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in eleven different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years as well. One tester's mother said that her child had slept in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.
Another benefit is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around as required. It's a great choice for parents who have little space. It could also serve as a portable cot. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's expensive, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. The cot doesn't include an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to stop your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant, but it isn't just about appearances. It's designed to last for their first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it is suitable for any nursery, particularly when you choose a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the rules that apply to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to prevent dangers of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized without gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are made to allow your baby to sleep comfortably and safely, and you can often find cribs that offer plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks them to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.