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 secure co-sleeping) to travel recommended cribs.

The mother tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often a parent's best cot newborn friend. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep soundly. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is key. The cot is stylish and robust and is in compliance with all the current guidelines. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.

Gemma, mother of Boden aged 13 months tried the product.

This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. What's more, it converts into an adorable toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It comes with two heights of the base, making it easier to reach baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through doors of all sizes which is a major advantage for parents who are strapped for time. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep all the essentials for your baby close in your arms.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress levels which means you can start with a lower base and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket or cot.

The slats on this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we tested and makes it more sleek and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.

Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Find pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will be absorbed directly into the mattress and make your baby cots on sale sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions to aid in settling 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 alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want an infant crib that can be used from birth and put near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be what you're seeking. It's a small design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.

One of our mom test participants described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it between rooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its standalone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to reach their baby easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.

It can also be converted into an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. This is a gorgeous crib bed with an Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked its stylish panelled look. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart as some cot beds are.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months but many parents find their child near them before bedtime soothing.

This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched 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 to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.

It's also a solidly built design that will last well into the toddler years. One parent tester told us that her baby used the crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.

Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around as required. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent purchase due to its design and functionality. You'll need an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to prevent your baby from getting drowned. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our most stylish models, but it's not only about appearances. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through their first 18 months, and transform into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless, and our tester believed it would work in any nursery. Especially if you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot you choose, make sure that it complies with the rules that apply to your Baby Crib's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will keep children from getting their heads trapped. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need to buy an cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of air-tight materials to regulate your baby's body temperature.

While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua cheap cot bed), these should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a high tech option, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that responds to your baby's cries. It gently lulls them into sleep in an identical way to the mother's womb. The cost might be a bit high, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.