Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are numerous styles available, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage compartment that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline option to reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a cot, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is essential. This crib is stylish, durable and meets all the latest standards. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is not an exception. It's a chic option for your baby's first room with a contemporary gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors which is a major benefit for parents who are strapped for time. It even comes with a dresser/changer to keep all your newborn essentials in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
The slats of this cot are more spaced in comparison to other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door so you can access it easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to set up, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.
Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
It is important that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Find pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they provide the most support and don't sag like foams. You should also invest in a waterproof mattress cover, because any dirt that gets into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses like gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want an infant crib that can be used from birth and put close to your bed while your the baby sleeps, this could be the one you're seeking. Its compact design fits into doors that have standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.
One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. 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, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit 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 designs that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also a good value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not break like other cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close to them before the time to go to bed. cots offers suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months however, many parents find having their child close before bedtime soothing.
This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you can blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted into four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.
While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that should last through the toddler years as well. One tester for parents told us that her baby was in the crib for two years and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around as needed. It's a great option for parents with limited space and can also be used as a portable cot. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held all of your baby's essentials. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent cost due to the design and function. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend opting for an airy, firm mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. The cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless, and our tester thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent babies from getting their heads stuck. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need to buy a mattress for your cot that is perfect without 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 you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that has extra features, such as built-in storage, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely, 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 alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit expensive however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.