A crib is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling off. There are many styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the perfect companion for parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When shopping for a crib, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and robust and meets all the current standards. It is also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress.
Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old, tested the product.
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery cots furniture and this cot is no exception. It’s a stylish option for your baby’s first room and features a modern gray finish that is suitable for any color scheme. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It comes with two base height positions too, making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It’s shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes and is a huge bonus for parents who are strapped for time. There’s a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your baby close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from the time of birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The slats on this cot are positioned more together than some of the other models we looked at This makes it more compact and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can access it easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents loved the ease with which this cot was to set up and our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.
Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby’s limbs cannot become trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly fixed to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.
A good quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Look for pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most recommended cribs support and won’t slide like foams. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you’re looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place near your bed while the baby sleeps, this could be the one you’re looking for. It’s a compact design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it’s easy to move around your home. It’s also easy to get up and down from it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
One of our mom test participants described it as “exceedingly easy to put together.” Its lightweight build lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it on holiday If you’d like. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their newborn in the early stages. It comes with a fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed which is great for parents as it will last for as long as your child requires it. This is a gorgeous cot bed with an Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled look. It’s easy to put together and comes with an excellent storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its small size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the test of time and will not be prone to falling apart like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months however, many parents find their child close to them before bedtime calming.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It’s a good option for parents who have high ceilings that slope and don’t want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It’s also a solidly built 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 youngest.
The cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It’s a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing everything your child needs. It’s expensive but it’s worth it for its style and practicality. This cot doesn’t come with an mattress, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and snugly fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. 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 cot is one of our sleekest models, but it’s not only about appearances. This cot is made to last for the first 18 months. It can also be converted into a toddler’s bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our testers found it would suit any nursery – especially when you choose a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, ensure that it complies with appropriate requirements for your baby’s age group and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn’t exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will stop infants from snagging their heads. Also, the surface should not be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. You’ll need to buy a cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of breathable materials in order to regulate your baby’s body temperature.
It’s tempting, but you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua sale cot). The best cot bed cheap cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won’t cost a fortune.
If you’re looking for a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to your baby’s cries and gently rocks them to sleep in a way that replicates their mother’s womb. The price may be a bit steep however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.