Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are numerous styles available from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set-up and comes with an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be a parent's best friend. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a stylish option for your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that is suitable for any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two heights of the base, making it easier to reach for baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors, which is a great advantage for parents who are strapped for time. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep the essentials for your baby close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby from birth to around four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a high-height base and then move down as your little one grows and begins to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The slats on this cot are positioned more in comparison to other models we looked at This makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappy. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to set up and our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up.
When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that are safe. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A good quality mattress for your cot is essential for the comfort of your baby. Find pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses, such as gentle rocking movements to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful option, but make sure to only purchase additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that you can use from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It's a compact design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down, which makes it ideal for changing nappy.
It's light and portable, so you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who require to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from cot life. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has a Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and includes a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. 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 that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to snuggle their baby up close before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint in a wide range of colors, so you can make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot to take up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted to four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One tester's mother said that her baby slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.
The cot is also compact and compact which makes it easy to set up and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything you need for your baby. It's not cheap, but it's worth the cost due to the design and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend choosing a comfortable, breathable, and a snugly-fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. This cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, make sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent babies from snagging their heads. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll also have to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges and be made of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you are looking for a high tech option then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that can respond to your baby's cry. It gently lulls them into sleep in the same way as the mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.