Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are many styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set-up and has an incline to alle via te reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and design. And a good cot needs to last through the infant stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and robust, and it meets all the most recent guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.
Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old has tested the product.
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different base height positions too, making it easier to reach baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors and is a huge bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's even read review matching dresser and change table to keep all your newborn essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and then move down as your baby develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The slats of this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When you are choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one 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, ensure that the slats are firmly fixed to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.
A high-quality mattress for your cot is essential for the comfort of your baby. Look for pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional 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 in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a small design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight design allows you to easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial 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 because it it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a gorgeous crib bed with an Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone with a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy build means that it will last for a long time and not break like other cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to wrap their child close before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.
This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you can match it to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up too much floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester's parent said that her child had been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her next.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around when required. It is a good choice for parents who have limited space and can also be used as a portable cot. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It's expensive, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. You'll need an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to stop your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two mattress heights, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months, and be converted into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would look great in any nursery - especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, make sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll need to purchase the mattress for your cot that is perfect, with no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are designed for your baby to rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find cot beds with plenty of storage space without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.