Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline setting that can help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When shopping for a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is sleek and durable, and it meets all the most recent guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is an excellent illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two different base height positions too which makes it easier for babies to reach and safer 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/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It has two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high-height base and move down as your child grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we looked at This makes it more sleek and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up 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 so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, check that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is important that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will get into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional features that include gentle rocking movements to aid in settling 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 addition, but remember 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 can be used from birth and keep near your bed while baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're looking for. It's a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down from the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on holiday should you want to. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who need to be able to reach their baby quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since 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 great in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. Baby beds is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy build means that it will last for a long time and not break like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find that having their child near them before bedtime calming.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents who have low ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her baby spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around if required. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing everything your child needs. It's expensive but it's worth it for its design and function. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend choosing a comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the most stylish cots we have on our list however it's not just about appearances. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months, and transform into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you pick, ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate standards for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to stop children from getting their heads stuck. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges and be made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features, such as built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.
If you're seeking a cutting-edge alternative for your baby, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries. It gently rock the baby to sleep in a motion similar to the mother's womb. The cost might be a bit high, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.