Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

The mum tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage space which is ideal for blankets and sheets. 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 a parent's best friend. They keep baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also priced reasonably, and comes with an extra mattress.

Gemma is the mother of Boden, 13 months has tested the product.

Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this crib is not an exception. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two base height positions too which makes it easier to reach baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors which is a major benefit for parents who are strapped for time. There's even a matching dresser and change table 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 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 learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best cots Moses basket or cot.

The slats on this sale cot are positioned more together than some of the other models we have tested, which makes it more compact and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.

It is important that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Find pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra bonuses like gentle rocking movements to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful option, but make sure to only purchase additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for a bedside crib that you can use from birth and put close to your bed while your the baby sleeps, this might be what you're seeking. It's a compact design that fits easily through doors with standard frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.

It's lightweight and portable, so 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 be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both useful features.

It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has a Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's easy to put together and comes with teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you can blend it into your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted in four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.

As well as looking attractive, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her child used the cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around when needed. It's a great choice for parents with little space. It can also function as an cot that can be moved around. It was easy to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your baby. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for its design and function. This cot doesn't come with an mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to keep your baby from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the cot frame to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our most elegant models, but it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months, and even convert into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase an crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features such as drawers for storage built-in and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best baby cots cots are made to allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably and you can usually find cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.