best cots for newborns (here.)

A crib is a bed that you can place your baby with high sides to stop them from falling out. There are a variety of styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline option to help alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and spec to design and design. A good cot should be able to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent standards. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great benefit for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a dresser/changer to keep all your baby's necessities close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby from birth to around four years of age. It has two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high-height base and move down as your baby grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. 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 have tested and makes it more sleek and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door so you can get in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When selecting a cot be sure to choose one that conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Also, make sure that the slats are securely secured to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not sag. Also, you should invest in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra features like gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (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 fantastic accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect if you intend to use it right from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a compact design that easily fits into doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down it, which is ideal for changing nappy.

One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. 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 fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.

It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a gorgeous crib bed with a Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for children ranging 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 an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your baby safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its robust construction means it will last for a long time and not fall apart like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.

This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot taking up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that should last through the toddler years too. One test-taker said that her baby was in the cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, making it easy to set up and move around if required. It's a great option for parents with a limited space and can also be used as portable cot. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held all of your baby's essentials. It's a bit pricey, but worth the investment for its design and function. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this crib. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to stop your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our most stylish, but it isn't just about looks. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months. It can be converted into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, always ensure that it complies with applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll also have to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.

It's tempting, but carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that has extra features like built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots offers are designed for your baby cot online to sleep safely and comfortably and you can usually find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage without costing you a fortune.

If you are looking for a high tech alternative then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that responds to your baby's crying. It gently rocks into the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost might be a bit expensive however for parents who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.