Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage space, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest guidelines. affordable cots cots4tots is also reasonably priced, and comes with an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is no exception. It's a stylish option for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different heights for the base making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, so it fits through most standard doorways, an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a lower base and then lower it 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 on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we looked at, which makes it more compact and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappies. Parents were amazed at how easy it was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up.
Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, make sure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.
A good quality mattress for your cot is essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It is also recommended to consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include 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 wonderful additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be what you're searching for. It's a small design that fits easily through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it on holiday should you want to. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to access their baby easily in the early stages. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents because it will last for as long as your child will need it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also a good value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height settings that help keep your newborn safe. It's small size makes it a great option for people with low ceilings or small spaces. Its robust construction means it will last for a long time and not break like other cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first six month but many parents find that having their child close before bedtime soothing.
This crib from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you can blend it into 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 with an incline option which aids in reflux.
It's also a well-constructed product that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her baby had been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.
Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, making it easy to build and move around if required. It's a great option for parents with a little space. It can also be used as portable cot. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's expensive, but worth the investment for the look and functionality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and snugly fitting mattress to prevent your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not just about looks. With two mattress heights the cot can see your newborn through their first 18 months, and transform into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent the baby's head from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to prevent dangers of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress that is ideally sized without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot with extra features, such as built-in storage or side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are made to allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely and often find cot beds with plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking for a high tech alternative, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently rock the baby to sleep in an identical way to their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit high however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.