Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is a bed that you can place your baby with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside recommended cribs (bassinet-style cots to tots that are attached to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.

The mum tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline option to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. But when shopping for one there's plenty to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current standards. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is an excellent illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with modern grey finishes that fit in with any color 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 safer and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through doors of all sizes and is a huge advantage for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a 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 around four years old. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best infant cribs Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.

The cot is more compact than other models that we have tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that allows you to reach in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Parents were amazed at how easy it was to put together, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

When you are choosing a cot bed, look for ones that meet safety standards. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are not more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, ensure that the slats are securely fixed to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.

It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Find pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't shrink like foams. It's worthwhile to invest 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 4 tots come with extra features, such as gentle rocking movements to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and keep near your bed while baby sleeps, this one could be the one you're looking for. It has a compact design that can easily fit through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.

One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on holiday should you want to. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted, which are both useful features.

It can also be converted into a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a gorgeous crib bed with a Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked its stylish panelled look. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its robust build also means it will stand the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking as some cot beds are.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside lets parents snuggle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month however, many parents find having their child close before bedtime calming.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good 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 tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful and appealing, it's a durable design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One tester for parents stated that her child slept in this crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

This cot is also compact and compact which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It's not cheap cot beds, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress for this cot. We recommend choosing a firm, breathable and snugly fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to avoid your child being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two mattress heights, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months, and be converted into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it would suit any nursery, particularly if you opt for an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, always ensure that it complies with relevant standards for your baby's age group and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to stop infants from getting their heads stuck. Also the surface should not be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll need a mattress for your cot that is perfect, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in one cot beds with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.

If you are looking for a modern option then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cry. It gently rock them into sleep in the same way as their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit steep, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.