A crib is a bed for your baby with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. MamasPapas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications 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 the current regulations. It is also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
MamasPapas has a knack for designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any style. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. 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. It's also designed with a shaped base, that means it can fit through many standard doors, which is an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your baby close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby from birth until around four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a higher base and then move down as your child develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was given Gold in the MotherBaby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer in comparison to other models we tested, which makes it more sleek and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappies. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to put together and our tester took only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Also, check that the slats are securely fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.
It is crucial that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which provide the most support and do not sag. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover too because any dirt will get into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the MamasPapas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a bedside crib that can be used from birth and keep close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this might be what you're searching for. Its compact design fits into doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, which makes it ideal for changing nappy.
It's lightweight and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its distinct 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 wedge cover for reflux and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its solid construction will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and 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 tester for parents told us that her baby slept in this crib for two months and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around when needed. It is a good choice for parents who have limited space and could also serve as portable cot. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's expensive but it's worth it for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We suggest settling for a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to keep your baby from getting trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list, but it's not all about looks. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your baby through their first 18 months, and transform into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery, particularly if you opt for a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure it meets the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps around the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the MamasPapas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The price may be a bit expensive, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.
