great crib For Newborns
A crib is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling out. There are many styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the best friend of parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent guidelines. It's also affordable and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with modern grey finishes that fit in with any color 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 more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop side cot. The shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors and is a huge advantage for parents who are time-strapped. 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 around four years of age. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats on this cot are more spaced apart than other models we tested This makes it more sleek and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can get in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to put together Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
When you are choosing a cot bed, look for ones that meet safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Also, check that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.
It is crucial that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not sag. You should also consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful additions, but only purchase 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 birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into doors that have standard frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and down, making it perfect for nappy changing.
One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday if you wish. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their newborn in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents since it will last for as long as your child needs it. This is a beautiful cot bed that has the Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for those with low ceilings or small spaces. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months however, many parents find that having their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you'll be able to make it a part of your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her baby had slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around if required. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's a bit costly however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to keep your baby from getting trapped. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our sleekest models, but it's not only about appearances. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months. It can be converted into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it meets the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface must be smooth to reduce suffocation risks. You'll also need to buy the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials that ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot with extra features like built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. There are all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a modern alternative then the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries. It gently lulls into an identical way to their mother's womb. The price is high, but it might be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.