Best Cots For Newborns
A crib is a bed that you can place your child with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are a variety of styles from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This crib is stylish, durable and is in compliance with the most current guidelines. It's also priced reasonably, and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into a stylish toddler bed or 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 child than a standard drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors and is a huge advantage for parents with a tight schedule. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your newborn close to hand.
2. best cot bed Cots 4 Tots UK Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can start with a high-height base and move down as your baby develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or cot.
This cot is more sleek than other models we tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to set up Our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.
When selecting a cot be sure to choose one that meet safety standards. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A high-quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Find pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots come with extra features that include gentle rocking movements to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for families who intend to use it right from birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's a compact design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it on holiday if you wish. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who want to have access to their infant easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is great for parents because it will last for as long as your child will need it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled appearance. It's simple to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small dimensions make it a great option for people with low ceilings or small areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close to them before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.
This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you can make it a part of your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice 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 for reflux.
While it's attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One tester's parent said that her child had spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.
Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to build and move around as required. It's a great choice for parents with a limited space and can also be used as portable cot. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held all of your baby's essentials. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for the look and functionality. This cot doesn't come with an mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our most elegant models, but it's not only about appearances. With two mattress heights the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months and can transform into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our test-run showed that it is suitable for any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure it meets the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent children's heads from becoming trapped, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll need to buy the cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you are looking for a high tech option for your baby, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries. It gently lulls the baby to sleep in the same way as the mother's womb. The cost might be a bit expensive however, for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the cost.