best cots for newborns (from fewpal.com)

A crib is a bed that you can place your child with high sides to stop them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are looking for a crib sets, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot has to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is key. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.

Gemma is the mother of Boden, 13 months tried the product.

Mamas&Papas is adept at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that will suit any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two heights of the base which makes it easier to reach baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also designed 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 everything you need for your baby in your arms.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.

The slats of this cot are more spaced in comparison to other models we have tested This 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 or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.

Find cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.

It is important that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Choose pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra features that include gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for those who intend to use it right from the beginning and place it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It has 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 those nappy changes.

One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted to a toddler bed when you purchase 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. This is a beautiful crib bed with an Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or with sloped ceilings. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not break like some cribs beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.

The cot comes in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great option for parents who have low ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted in four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.

It's also a solidly built design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her child had spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her younger.

This cot is also small and small which makes it easy to put together and move around. It's a great choice for parents with limited space and can also be used as a portable cot. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It is a bit expensive however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this cot. We suggest an airy, firm and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few 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 is one of the more stylish cots on our list, but it's not all about appearances. The cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be converted to a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will keep babies from getting their heads stuck. Also the surface shouldn't be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy an cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt 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 price may be a bit steep however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.