Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling out. There are numerous styles available from cribs for bed to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline setting that can help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. However, when you're looking for one there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and is in compliance with the most current guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a contemporary choice for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two different heights for the base which makes it easier to reach baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through the majority of doors and is a huge advantage for parents who are time-strapped. There's even a dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a high base and then lower as your baby grows and begins to sit on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
The slats of this cot are more spaced apart than other models we looked at, which makes it more sleek and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents loved how easy it was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.
Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
A good quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. Also, you should invest in an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features like gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). weblink can be a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for those who would like to use it from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into doors with standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.
One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who require to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful features.
It also converts to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. This is a beautiful crib bed with an Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its elegant panelled design. It's simple to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for people who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not break like other cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months however, many parents find their child close to them before bedtime calming.
This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot to take up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted in four positions and includes an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. best crib told us that her baby slept in this cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another plus is that the cot is small and compact, making it easy to set up and move around when required. It is a good choice for parents with a limited space. It can also function as portable cot. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's a bit pricey but it's worth it for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to keep your baby from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list, but it's not all about appearances. It's designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce dangers of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized with no gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that has extra features like built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed for your baby to rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find cot beds with plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a motion that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is a little expensive, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.