Best Cots For Newborns

A crib is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling off. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. 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 new parent's best crib newborn friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is sleek and durable and meets all the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any style. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two heights of the base making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's built with a shaped base that means it can fit through the majority of doors, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep all the essentials for your baby to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can begin with a higher base and then move down as your child develops and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top ranked cribs choice for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that lets you access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the diapers. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the sale cot.

Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, make sure that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.

It is important that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the most support and don't sag. Also, you should invest in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only buy additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect for those who intend to use it right from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It has a compact 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 simple to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for changing nappy.

It's light and portable, which means it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is popular with new parents who require to be able to reach their baby easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both beneficial features.

It also converts to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also a good value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those with low ceilings or small space. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not break like other cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib in the bed allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child close prior to putting them to sleep.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you can make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good 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 11 different heights and can be tilted to four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.

It's also a solidly built product that will last into the toddler years. One test-taker told us that her baby used the crib for two months and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

Another advantage is that this cot is small and compact, making it easy to build and move around when required. It's a great option for parents with little space. It can also function as portable cot. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. 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 cot. 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 to avoid your child being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list, but it's not all about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months. It can transform into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it would look great in any nursery - especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you pick, make sure it meets the applicable regulations for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.

Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that don't cost a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks their body to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit expensive however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.