Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your baby with high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are a variety of styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish choice for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that will suit any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors which is a major advantage for parents who are strapped for time. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep everything you need for your newborn close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high base and then move down as your little one grows and learns to sit up unaided. 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 on this cot are positioned more apart than other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to put together Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up.
When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
A quality mattress for your cot is essential for the comfort of your baby. Look for pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It is also recommended to invest in an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with extra bonuses, such as gentle rocking motions to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great addition, but remember to only purchase additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that you can use from birth and keep close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be what you're searching for. It has a compact design that fits easily through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.
It's light and portable, meaning you can easily move it between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is great for parents as it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a beautiful cot bed with an Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It is easy to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings.
best cots uk makes it an ideal option for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its robust build will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child prior to putting them to sleep.
This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to match it to the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a good option for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
As well as looking attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One parent tester said that her baby used the crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another advantage is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around as needed. It's a great option for parents who have limited space and can also function as an cot that can be moved around. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing everything your child needs. It's not cheap but it's worth it for its style and practicality. The cot doesn't include an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list, but it's not all about looks. The cot is made to last for their first 18 months. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you opt for an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the rules that apply to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent infants from getting their heads stuck. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent suffocation. You'll need to buy an cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of air-tight materials to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit steep, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.