Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is a bed that you can place your child with high sides to stop them from falling out. There are numerous styles available including bedside cribs to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best cot beds friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and spec to design and design. A good cot should be able to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest standards. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.

Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old, tested the product.

Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a modern choice for a baby's first room, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. What's more, it converts into an adorable toddler bed or day bed to make it a durable bed. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. It's also built with a shaped base, so it fits through most standard doorways, an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's even a matching dresser/changer to keep all your baby's necessities close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby, from birth until around four years of age. It comes with two mattress levels which means you can start with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cots uk crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.

The cot is more compact than other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door, allowing you to access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that are safe. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.

It is essential that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which provide the most support and do not sag. It is also recommended to purchase an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with additional features like gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only purchase items that fit safely 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 near your bed while baby sleeps, this could be the one you're searching for. It has a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it perfect for changing nappy.

It's light and portable, which means you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who want to have access to their infant quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents as it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a gorgeous crib bed with an Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It is easy to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its robust build also means it will stand the years and won't be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity before going to bed.

This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you can make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents with sloped ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted to four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.

As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that is built to last the toddler years too. One tester's mother said that her child had spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

The cot is also compact and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing everything your child needs. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile cost due to the design and function. You'll need an additional mattress for this sale cot. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that is fitted to stop your child from being drowned. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the cot frame to avoid your child being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest, but it isn't just about looks. It's designed to last your newborn for their first 18 months. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our testers found it would look great in any nursery, especially when you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent children's heads from becoming trapped, and the surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase the cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.

It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cot bed cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.

If you're looking for a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost might be a bit high, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.