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 are attached to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting that can aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. But when shopping for one there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current standards. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with modern grey finishes that fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through most standard doors and is a huge advantage for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or cot.
This cot is more streamlined than other models that we've tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When you are choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that are safe. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A quality cot mattress is also key to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover as well because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with additional features that include gentle rocking motions to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like 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
If you want a bedside crib that can be used from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this could be the one you're seeking. mini cotbed 's a compact design that easily fits into doors with standard frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, making it perfect for changing nappy.
It's lightweight and portable, meaning you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who require to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is great for parents because it will last as long as your child needs it. This is a beautiful cot bed that has the Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and includes teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact dimensions make it a great option for people who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its solid construction also means it will stand the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month, but many parents find that having their child close before bedtime soothing.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that is built to last the toddler years too. One tester's parent said that her child had spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to build and move around as needed. It's a good fit for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. It was simple to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer, which held all of your baby's essentials. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from getting drowned. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the most stylish cots we have on our list, but it's not all about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months and can even convert into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate standards for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop infants from snagging their heads. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase an cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.