Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your child with high sides to keep them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline setting that can reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest regulations. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.
Gemma is the mother of Boden 13 months old tried the product.
Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It comes with two different heights of the base making it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors, which is a great bonus for parents with a tight schedule. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep all the essentials for your baby at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a higher base and then lower as your little one grows and learns to sit up unaided. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The slats of this cot are more spaced apart than other models we tested This makes it more sleek and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose conform to safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Look for pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses as they provide the most support and don't sag like foams. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like 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 want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and keep near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It's a compact design that fits easily through door frames that are standard and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.
It's light and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who need to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress, which are both useful features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from cot life. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has the Scandi look. mini cot beds will look stunning in your nursery.
Another option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its small size makes it a great option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its robust build also means it can stand the test of time and won't be prone to falling apart like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close to them before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months however, many parents find their child near them before bedtime soothing.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents with low ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One test-taker told us that her baby used the crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another plus is that the cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around as required. It's a great option for parents with limited space and can also be used as an cot that can be moved around. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this cot. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to keep your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our most elegant models, but it's not just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your baby through the first 18 months, and be converted into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our testers found it would look great in any nursery, particularly when you choose an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress that is ideally sized with no gaps around the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials that ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
cot sales tempting, but carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. There are many all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.
If you're seeking a cutting-edge option then the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cry. It gently rock into a motion similar to the womb of their mother. The price is high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.