Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin 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 that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the best friend of parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully) asleep soundly. But when shopping for one there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish and robust and meets all the current guidelines. It's also affordable, and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that can be matched to any style. What's more, it converts into a stylish toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. 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 constructed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities 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 levels of mattress that allow you to start with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.
The cot is more compact than the other models we've tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door so you can reach in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose comply with safety standards. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly fixed to avoid any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is important that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Look for pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't sag like foams. You should also invest in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features like gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only purchase additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and keep close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this might be what you're seeking. best crib for newborn 's a compact design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to climb up and down, making it perfect for nappy changing.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents because it will last as long as your child needs it. This is a gorgeous crib bed with an Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for a long time and not break like some cribs.
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 suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month but many parents find that having their child close before bedtime calming.
This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her child used the crib for two years and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
This cot is also compact and small which makes it easy to put together and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your baby. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our most elegant models, but it's not just about looks. With two height settings for the mattress the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it would look great in any nursery - especially when you choose 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 stop babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll need an cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.
While it's tempting to buy 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 and Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are made to allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find cribs that offer plenty of storage space without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock their body to sleep in a motion that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is expensive, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.