Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling off. There are numerous styles available including bedside recommended cribs to travel cots.

The mom tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage compartment which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy 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 safe and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are looking for a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for a baby's first room, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two base height positions too which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, that means it can fit through many standard doors, which is an absolute benefit for busy parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep the essentials for your newborn close in your arms.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot will grow with your Baby Crib from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high-height base and then lower as your child grows and begins to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than the other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to set up and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.

Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Also, check that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.

A high-quality cot mattress is also key to ensure your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not slide. You should also invest in an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for a bedside crib that you can use from birth and place near your bed while baby sleeps, this might be just what you're searching for. It's 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 is also easy to climb up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.

One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it between rooms or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. Its standalone design is a favorite among 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 fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.

The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is great for parents as it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a gorgeous crib bed with the Scandi style. It will look great 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 test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart as some cot beds are.

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 bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find that having their child close prior to bedtime relaxing.

This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, so you can blend it into the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline which aids in reflux.

While it's attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her child was in the crib for two years and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around when required. It's a good fit for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep everything you need for your baby. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months. It can even convert into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our test-run showed that it is suitable for any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what kind of cot you pick, make sure it meets the applicable regulations for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll need a crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage or side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots to tots are simply made to allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely and often find cribs that offer plenty of storage without costing a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks their body to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.