Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby that has high sides to prevent 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 to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline setting to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, keeping baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is stylish and robust, and it meets all the current guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months tried the product.
Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this crib is not an exception. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will fit in with any color scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It has 2 different base height positions too which makes it easier to reach baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in the majority of doors, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep everything you need for your baby close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two mattress heights, which means 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 awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more sleek than other models that we have tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose comply with safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Find pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't sag like foams. You should also consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect if you want to use it from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors that have standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight design allows you to easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who need to access their newborn quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress, which are both useful features.
It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also a good value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek 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 small size makes it an ideal choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six month but many parents find having their child close prior to bedtime relaxing.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to match it to the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted in four positions and includes an incline which aids in reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents said that her baby slept in this crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to build and move around when needed. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's expensive but it's worth it for its design and function. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to stop your baby from becoming drowned. 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 crib is among our sleekest, but it isn't just about looks. It's designed to last your newborn for their first 18 months. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of 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 exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and made of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are made to allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The price may be a bit high however, for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.