Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling off. There are numerous styles available, from bedside cribs to travel cots offers.

The mum tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline option to reduce reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through newborn stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and robust, and it meets all the most recent standards. It is also reasonably priced and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas is a master at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with an elegant grey finish that will fit in with any color scheme. What's more, it converts into an adorable toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through most standard doors, which is a great benefit for parents who are strapped for time. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep all the essentials for your baby to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.

The slats of this cot are positioned more apart than other models we looked at and makes it more compact and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to set up Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.

Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

It is important that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not sag. It is also recommended to invest 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 include extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for an infant cot bed crib that can be used from birth and put close to your bed while your the baby sleeps, this might be what you're seeking. It's a small design that fits easily through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, perfect for those diaper changes.

One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it with you on vacation if you wish. Its stand-alone 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 the cover for a reflux wedge and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. This is a beautiful cot bed with an Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked its elegant panelled design. It's simple to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its sturdy stature also means it will stand the test of time and will not 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 want to wrap their child close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child close prior to putting them to sleep.

This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, so you can blend it into your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a sale cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester said that her baby used the crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.

The cot is also compact and small and easy to assemble and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It is a bit expensive however it's a worthwhile investment because of the design and functionality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for an airy, firm mattress that is fitted to stop your child from being trapped. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the cot frame to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish, but it isn't just about looks. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months, and transform into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it would look great in any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop infants from getting their heads trapped. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to avoid suffocation. You'll need a crib mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying 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 most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.

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