best cots for newborns - read this -

A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling out. There are many styles, from 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 has an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best cots uk friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. The cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all of the latest guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a 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 no exception. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep all the essentials for your baby close to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby from birth to about 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 to sit on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best cot newborn Moses basket, cot or crib.

This cot is more streamlined than other models we've tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappies. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.

Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots offers must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, check that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.

A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not slide. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cheap cots also come with extra bonuses like gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for families who would like to use it from the beginning and place it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and go down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.

It's light and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful features.

The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents as it will last as long as your child needs it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also an excellent value when you consider the length of time 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 panelled appearance. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its robust build also means it will stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months but many parents find having their child near them before bedtime calming.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint in a wide range of colors, so you'll be able to blend it into the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a good option for parents with sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted in four positions and includes an incline which aids in reflux.

It's also a sturdy product that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her child had slept in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.

Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, making it easy to build and move around as required. It's a good fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held all of your baby's essentials. It's expensive, but worth the investment for the look and functionality. You'll need a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that is fitted to stop your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop 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. The cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it would suit any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will stop infants from snagging their heads. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to avoid suffocation. You'll need to buy the mattress for your cot that is perfect 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 you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features like built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks them to sleep in a motion that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is steep, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.