Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby with high sides to stop them from falling out. There are many styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store 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 friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This cot is sleek and durable and meets all of the latest standards. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any style. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or a day bed to make it a durable bed. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through the majority of doors and is a huge bonus for parents who are time-strapped. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your baby close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
This cot is more sleek than the other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappies. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is essential that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not slide. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover too because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, as well as 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
This crib is ideal for families who intend to use it right from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into doors with standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also simple to get up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to 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 access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is great for parents because it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a gorgeous cot bed with an Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month, but many parents find that having their child near them before bedtime soothing.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, so you can make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a good option for parents who have low ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a solidly built product that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents stated that her child used the cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
The cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to assemble and move around. It is a good choice for parents who have limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's expensive, but worth the investment for its design and function. This cot doesn't come with an mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend a firm, breathable and snugly fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our most stylish models, but it's not only about appearances. With two mattress heights, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Regardless of what recommended cribs of cot you pick, ensure that it complies with applicable standards for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. You'll need the mattress for your cot that is perfect without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that has extra features, such as built-in storage, as well as side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a high tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cries. It gently rock into the same way as the mother's womb. The cost might be a bit steep however for parents with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.