Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling off. They come in a range of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
The mom tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage compartment that is perfect for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline setting to reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep soundly. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. This cot is sleek, sturdy and is in compliance with the most current guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom, with a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a 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 traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great benefit for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a matching dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from newborn up to about 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 teaches them how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats on this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we tested and makes it more compact and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It has a convenient side door that allows you to get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappy. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When selecting a cot, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are not more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is important that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for those who want to use it from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also simple to get up and down from it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
It is lightweight and portable, meaning you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also good value for money when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled design. It's simple to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby secure. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those who has 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 cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.
This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, meaning you can match it to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice for parents who have low ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.
The cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It is a good choice for parents with a limited space and can also be used as portable cot. It was easy to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's expensive but it's worth it for its design and function. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to stop your child from getting suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the cot frame to ensure that your child is not 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 looks. It's made to last for the first 18 months of their life. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery, especially if you opt for an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, ensure that it complies with applicable requirements for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent children from getting their heads stuck. Also, the surface should not be rough in order to avoid suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
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&Papas Lua Cot) These should be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are tots and cots -in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit expensive however for parents who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.