best infant cribs Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for blankets and sheets. 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 new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent regulations. It is also reasonably priced and includes an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with modern grey finishes that suit any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. And it's constructed 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 close to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from birth to around four years old. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we looked at and makes it more streamlined and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.

Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A high-quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not sag. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some top rated cots have extra features, such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage space for the nappy essentials (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

This crib is ideal for those who want to use it from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors that have standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.

One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who require to have access to their infant easily during the first few months of parenting. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.

It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.

Another 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 easy to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to snuggle their baby up close before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child close before going to bed.

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

While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester's mother said that her baby had spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

Another benefit is that the cot is small cot beds and compact, so it's easy to build and move around if required. It's a great choice for parents who have little space. It could also serve as portable cot. It was simple to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a couple of inches smaller 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 sleeker cots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two mattress heights the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months and can transform into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would look great in any nursery, particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to keep children from snagging their heads. Also the surface shouldn't be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase the crib mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from air-tight materials to regulate your baby's body temperature.

It's tempting, but you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that has extra features like built-in storage, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply made to allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably and often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then 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 manner that replicates their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit expensive however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.