Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place 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 cots that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. The cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all the current guidelines. It's also affordable, and includes an extra mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern choice for the baby's first bedroom with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different heights of the base making it easier to reach for baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's 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 dresser/changer to keep all your newborn essentials close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can start with a high base and move down as your little one grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The slats on this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we tested, which makes it more sleek and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it ready to use.
Look for best crib that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is essential that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not slide. It is also recommended to invest in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses like gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for families who would like to use it from the beginning and place it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It is also easy to get up and go down, making it perfect for nappy changing.
It's lightweight and portable, which means it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It also comes with an incline wedge cover 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 a great option for parents since it will last as long as your child needs it. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has an Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and includes a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not fall apart like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six month but many parents find having their child close before bedtime soothing.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you'll be able to match it to the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great choice for parents with low ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester told us that her baby slept in this crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
The cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a good fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It's not cheap, but worth the investment for the look and functionality. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and a snugly-fitting mattress to stop your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches shorter than the cot frame to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest models, but it's not only about looks. This cot is made to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you select, ensure that it is in compliance with 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) in order to keep babies from getting their heads trapped. Additionally the surface should not be rough to prevent suffocation. You'll need to buy the cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that has extra features, such as built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are made to allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The price is steep, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.