Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your baby that has high sides to stop them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Cots 4 Tots UK loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and design. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, so durability is key. The cot is sleek and durable and is in compliance with all the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.
Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is not an exception. It's a contemporary choice for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It has 2 different heights of the base making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base, so it fits through the majority of doors, an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's even a matching dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher level and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The slats of this cot are more spaced in comparison to other models we looked at, which makes it more sleek and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not slide. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover as well, as any soiling will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions that help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful addition, but remember to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for those who intend to use it right from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a compact design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.
It's lightweight and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who require to be able to reach their baby quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is great for parents because it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a beautiful cot bed with the Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby secure. It's small size makes it a great option for people with low ceilings or small space. Its robust build also means it will stand the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside lets parents snuggle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.
This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to match it to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted in four positions and includes an incline which aids in reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby had slept 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 put together and move around as required. It's an ideal fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It's not cheap, but it's worth the investment because of the design and function. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to stop your baby from getting trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list, but it's not all about looks. The cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind 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 be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent children from snagging their heads. Also the surface should not be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need an crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It should also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.
It's tempting, but carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features, such as built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.
If you're seeking a cutting-edge alternative for your baby, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently lulls into an identical way to their mother's womb. The price may be a bit expensive however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.