best cots for newborns (More Tips)

A crib is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend, keeping baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When shopping for a, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good cot has to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is crucial. The cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all the most recent guidelines. It's also priced reasonably, and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. 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. The shaped base allows it to fit through doors of all sizes, which is a great advantage for parents who are strapped for time. It even comes with a dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two mattress heights, so you can start with a high base and move down as your child grows and learns to sit up unaided. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket, cot or crib.

This cot is more streamlined than the other models we've tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that lets you access the room easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.

Find cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, make sure that the slats are securely fixed to avoid any loose or loose fastenings.

A quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Choose pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best crib newborn support and don't sag like foams. You should also consider investing 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 have additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect if you intend to use it right from birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. It has a compact design that can easily fit through 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 the perfect choice to change nappy.

One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation if you wish. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their infant in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover 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 the Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It's easy to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby secure. Its compact size makes it a great option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its sturdy build means that it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to wrap their child close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first six month however, many parents find that having their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.

The cot comes in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic, so it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in eleven 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 also a sturdy design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her child had slept in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

The cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot too. It was simple to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It's not cheap but it's worth it for its design and function. This cot doesn't come with an mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to keep your baby from getting drowned. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest, but it isn't just about looks. With two mattress heights, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months. It can even convert into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our test-run showed that it is suitable for any nursery, particularly if you opt for an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you choose, always make sure it meets the applicable regulations for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent babies from snagging their heads. Also the surface shouldn't be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges tots and cots made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature in check.

While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as built-in storage drawers, as well as sides that can be removed for 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 suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. There are 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 can respond to your baby's crying. It gently rock them into sleep in a motion similar to their mother's womb. The price may be a bit steep, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.