Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are a variety of styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline setting that can aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are many things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. The cot is sleek and durable and is in compliance with all of the latest standards. It's also affordable and comes with an extra mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months tried the product.
This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two different heights of the base making it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep everything you need for your newborn close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a higher base and move down as your child develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
The slats of this cot are positioned more together than some of the other models we looked at This makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to get in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappy. Parents loved how easy this cot was to set up Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose comply with safety standards. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
It is essential that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Find pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover as well because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra features, such as gentle rocking movements to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only buy additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that you can use from birth and put near your bed while baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're seeking. It's a small design that easily fits into doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
It's light and portable, so it is easy to move between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily in the early stages. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a fitted mattress and a mattress, both of which are 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 means it will last until your child is ready to move on from cot life. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also an excellent value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish paneled design. It's easy to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your baby safe. Its compact dimensions make it a great option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its robust build will also ensure it stands the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first six month however, many parents find having their child close prior to bedtime relaxing.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be tilted into four positions and includes an incline that helps with reflux.
As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years too. 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 next.
The cot is also compact and small which makes it easy to put together and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's a bit costly, but it's worth the investment because of the design and function. You'll need to buy a mattress for this cot. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to keep your child from being suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through their first 18 months and can even convert into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure it meets the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent children from snagging their heads. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll also need to buy 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 buy a cot with extra features like drawers for storage built-in and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a modern option, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cry. It gently rock the baby to sleep in a motion similar to the mother's womb. The cost may be a bit expensive, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.