Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your baby that has high sides to keep them from falling out. There are many styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting to reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot has to last through newborn stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. This crib is stylish, durable and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also affordable, and comes with an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room, with a modern gray finish that will suit any style. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two base height positions too, making it easier to reach baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through most standard doors and is a huge advantage for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a high-height base and move down as your baby grows and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. recommended cribs was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket, cot or crib.
The cot is more compact than the other models we have tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars no 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 important that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't shrink like foams. You should also purchase an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for families who intend to use it right from birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors that have standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and down from it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.
It's light and portable, which means it is easy to move between rooms or even on holiday. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to transition from cot life. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our testers loved the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your newborn safe. It's small size makes it an ideal option for those with low ceilings or small areas. Its robust build also means it will stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.
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 prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.
This babyletto cot Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can match it to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions with an incline option that aids in reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last well into the toddler years. One test-taker told us that her baby was in the crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, making it easy to build and move around if needed. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing everything you need for your baby. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the cost due to the design and function. You'll need to purchase a mattress for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to get out.
5. recommended cribs is one of our most elegant models, but it's not only about appearances. It's made to last for the first 18 months of their life. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges and be made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.