Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is a bed that you can place your baby that has high sides to stop them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are the best cot bed friend of parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is sleek and durable and meets all of the latest standards. It is also reasonably priced, and includes an extra 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 modern choice for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed or daybed for long-lasting use. It has 2 different heights of the base making it easier to reach baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through the majority of doors which is a major benefit for parents who are time-strapped. There's even a matching dresser/changer to keep all your newborn essentials in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.

The slats of this cot are more spaced in comparison to other models we tested This makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can get in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots 4 tots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A good quality mattress for your cot is essential for your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most recommended cribs support and do not sag. You should also purchase an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with extra features like gentle rocking movements to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for families who intend to use it right from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It has a compact design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, making it perfect for changing nappy.

It's lightweight and portable, which means it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who want to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted and a mattress, both of which are useful features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is great for parents as 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 an excellent value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib in the bed allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child prior to putting them to sleep.

The cot comes in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be tilted into 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's mother said that her child had slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

This cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It is a good choice for parents with a little space. It can also be used as a portable cot. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about looks. The cot is designed to last for their first 18 months. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our testers found it would look great in any nursery cots, especially in the event that you decide to purchase an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you select, ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate requirements for your baby's age group and your home. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop children's heads from becoming trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. You'll need to buy a crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made from air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot with extra features such as built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots offers allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a high tech alternative, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's cries. It gently rock them into sleep in a motion similar to the womb of their mother. The cost might be a bit expensive however, for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the cost.