Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling out. There are numerous styles available including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is sleek and durable and meets all of the latest standards. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden aged 13 months tried the product.
Mamas&Papas is a master at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It has 2 different heights for the base making it easier to reach for baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through most standard doors and is a huge benefit for parents who are strapped for time. There's even a dresser/changer to keep all your baby's necessities in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It has two mattress heights, so you can start with a high base and move down as your baby develops 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 choice for parents.
This cot is more sleek than the other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappy. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.
Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make cot beds for sale that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
A high-quality mattress for your cot is essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It is also recommended to consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (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
If you want an infant crib that you can use from birth and put close to your bed when the baby sleeps, this might be what you're seeking. It has a compact design that fits easily through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down from, perfect for those nappy changes.
It's light and portable, so you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit 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 look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with an excellent storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height settings that help keep your newborn safe. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its solid construction will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.
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 a great option for parents who have low ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby had been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.
Another benefit is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around as needed. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's expensive but it's worth it for the look and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest models, but it's not just about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months, and transform into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject believed it would work in any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, make sure it meets the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep children's heads from becoming trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps around the edges and made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) These should be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. There are many all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit expensive, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.