Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling off. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots to tots.

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline setting that can help alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best crib for newborn friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and design. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all of the latest regulations. It's also affordable and includes an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour 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 child than a standard drop side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through doors of all sizes, which is a great benefit for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a matching dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot will grow with your baby from birth to around four years of age. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we looked at and makes it more sleek and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that allows you to get in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.

Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, make sure that the slats are firmly fixed to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.

It is important that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. Also, you should invest in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for a bedside crib that you can use from birth and put close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this one might be what you're seeking. It's a small design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down from, perfect for those diaper changes.

One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight design means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who need to have access to their infant cot bed quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are beneficial features.

The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents because it will last for as long as your child needs it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. It's small dimensions make it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its robust construction means it will last for many years and will 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 wrap their child close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.

This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you'll be able to match it to the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great choice for parents who have low ceilings and do not 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 for reflux.

As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester told us that her baby used the cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a great choice for parents with a limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. It was easy to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your baby. It's expensive but it's worth it for its design and function. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this cot. We suggest a comfortable, breathable, and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your baby through the first 18 months and can even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you pick, make sure it meets the relevant requirements for your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy a crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.

Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that don't cost a fortune.

If you're looking for a high-tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is expensive, but it could be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.