Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are many styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set-up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is crucial. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in most standard doorways, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your baby in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher level and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
This cot is more streamlined than other models that we have tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappies. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to set up and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.
When you are choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A quality cot mattress is also key to ensure your baby's comfort. Look for pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the
best crib newborn support and don't shrink like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover too because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features that include 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 beds for sale). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for an infant crib that can be used from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be what you're searching for. It has a compact design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down from, perfect for those nappy changes.
It's lightweight and portable, which means you can move it easily between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who want to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both useful features.
It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a gorgeous crib bed with the Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its elegant panelled design. It's easy to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone with a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy build means that it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity before going to bed.
This crib from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint in a wide range of colors, so you'll be able to make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents who have high ceilings that slope and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby had slept in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around when needed. It is a good choice for parents with little space. It can also be used as portable cot. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It's not cheap but it's worth it for its style and practicality. You'll need a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the cot frame to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest models, but it's not only about looks. The cot is designed to last for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our test subject found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the rules that apply to your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to stop infants from getting their heads stuck. Additionally, the surface should not be rough in order to avoid suffocation. You'll need the crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of air-tight materials to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features, such as built-in storage, as well as side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The
best cots uk cots (
see this site) are simply designed for your baby to rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.