Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is a bed for your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style affordable cots that attach to your side of the bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

The mom tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage compartment that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting that can aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's Best cot for newborn friend. They keep baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is key. The cot is stylish and robust and meets all the most recent guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

This cot is an excellent illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with modern grey finishes that suit any colour scheme. What's more, it converts into a stylish toddler bed or day bed to make it a durable bed. It comes with two different heights for the base making it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors which is a major benefit for parents who are time-strapped. It even comes with a dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby from birth to around four years of age. It has two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high base and then move down as your little one grows and begins to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top rated cots pick for parents.

The slats on this cot sale are positioned more apart than other models we have tested and makes it more sleek and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door so you can reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When you are choosing a cot bed, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. To keep your cheap baby cots's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.

A good quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not slide. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will be absorbed directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra features, such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. Its compact design fits into doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.

It's light and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both useful 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 as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also good value for money if you consider how long it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It is easy to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it a great option for those with low ceilings or small areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not fall apart like some cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find that having their child close before bedtime soothing.

This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you can make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. 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 to 11 different heights and can be tilted to four positions, including an incline that aids in reflux.

As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that should last through the toddler years as well. One tester's parent said that her child had slept in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

Another advantage is that this cot is tiny and compact, making it easy to put together and move around as required. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can 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, but it's worth the cost due to the design and function. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest models, but it's not only about looks. The cot is made to last for their first 18 months. It can also be transformed to a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it is suitable for any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter what kind of cot you choose, always ensure that it complies with applicable requirements for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will keep babies from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface should not be rough to prevent suffocation. You'll need to buy an cot mattress that fits perfectly, with 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 you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rock their body to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit steep, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.