Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling off. There are a variety of styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often the best friend of parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When looking for a cot, there are many things to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot has to last through newborn stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.

Gemma, mother of Boden aged 13 months has tested the product.

This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will fit in with any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through the majority of doors which is a major benefit for parents with a tight schedule. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep the essentials for your baby to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress that allow you to start with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

The slats on this cot are positioned more apart than other models we have tested and makes it more streamlined and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that allows you to get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappies. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, check that the slats are securely fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.

A high-quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and do not slide. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots include additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a bedside crib that you can use from birth and put close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this might be just what you're searching for. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and down from the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.

It's lightweight and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a fitted mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted into a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not break like other cribs beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close to them before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice for parents with low ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.

It's also a solidly built design that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents stated that her child used the crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around if required. It's a great choice for parents who have limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It's not cheap, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We suggest a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to stop 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 capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib sets is among our most elegant models, but it's not just about looks. This cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery, particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure it meets the guidelines applicable to your baby cots on sale's age and home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll need to purchase a crib mattress that fits perfectly, 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 extra features like built-in storage drawers and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.

If you are seeking a cutting-edge alternative for your baby, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries. It gently lulls them into sleep in the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost is a bit steep, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.