Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is a bed that you can place your baby with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best baby cots friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When shopping for a there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and toddlerhood, so longevity is essential. The cot is sleek and durable and meets all the current guidelines. It's also priced reasonably, and comes with a mattress.

Gemma is the mother of Boden, 13 months has tested the product.

Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that can be matched to any style. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also designed with a shaped base so it fits through the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's even a matching dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high-height base and then lower as your little one grows and begins to sit up unaided. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best baby cots crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer together than some of the other models we looked at This makes it more compact and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When selecting a cot, look for ones that are safe. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

It is important that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Find pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses as they provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and could cause your cheap baby cots to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some cots come with additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for those who intend to use it right from birth and have it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through standard door frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also simple to get up and go down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.

One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation if you wish. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with low ceilings or small spaces. Its robust construction means it will last for a long time and not break like some cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to snuggle their baby up close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.

The cot comes in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted in four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.

It's also a well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her child was in the cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.

This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to assemble and move around. It is a good choice for parents with a little space. It can also be used as portable cot. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing everything your child needs. It's a bit pricey however, it's well worth the cost for its design and function. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this cot. We suggest a comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not just about looks. With two mattress heights the cot can see your newborn through their first 18 months, and transform 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 in the event that you decide to purchase an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter which cot is chosen, make sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. You'll need to buy a cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features like built-in storage, as well as removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage without costing a fortune.

If you are seeking a cutting-edge option, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently rock into the same way as the mother's womb. The cost may be a bit high however for parents with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.