best cots for newborns (click through the up coming post)

A crib is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. There are many styles including bedside cribs beds to travel cots.

The mom tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage compartment, which is ideal for sheets and cot beds (read) blankets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting that can aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. The cot is stylish and robust and meets all the most recent standards. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room, with a modern gray finish that is suitable for any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two heights of the base making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through doors of all sizes, which is a great advantage for parents who are time-strapped. It even comes with a dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a high base and then lower as your baby grows and begins to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

The slats of this cot are positioned more apart than other models we tested and makes it more streamlined and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that allows you to reach in easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together and our tester took only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.

A good quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Choose pocket springs or latex-coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. You should also consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra features that include gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect if you would like to use it from the beginning and place it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.

It's lightweight and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily during the first few days. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted that are both beneficial features.

It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's simple to put together and has a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or with sloped ceilings. Its robust build also means it can stand the years and won't be at risk of falling apart like cot beds do.

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 kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.

This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope and don't want to occupy 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.

In addition to looking beautiful and appealing, it's a durable design that should last through the toddler years too. One test-taker stated that her child used the crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

This cot is also small and compact, making it easy to put together and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It's not cheap cots, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to stop your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the cot sets frame to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not only about looks. With two mattress heights the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months, and be converted into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what kind of cot you select, ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate requirements for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy a crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It should also be made of breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot with extra features like built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that don't cost a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The price is steep, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.