Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling out. There are numerous styles available, from bedside cribs to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline option to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best baby cots friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest standards. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.

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

Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. It has 2 different heights for the base, making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your baby close to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we have tested This makes it more streamlined and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.

Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars no more than 6cm apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

A good quality mattress for your cot is essential for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not sag. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover as well because any dirt will be absorbed directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with extra features that include gentle rocking movements to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great crib option, but make sure to only purchase additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you want to use it from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a small design that can easily fit through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down from the top, making it ideal for those diaper changes.

It's light and portable, so it is easy to move between rooms or even during a trip. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.

It also converts to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as 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 gorgeous in your nursery and it's also an excellent value if you consider how long it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled appearance. It's simple to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your baby secure. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its robust build also means it can stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.

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 kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.

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

As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her baby had been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her younger.

Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, making it easy to set up and move around if needed. It's a great choice for parents who have limited space. It can also be used as portable cot. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held all of your baby cots on sale's essentials. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the cost due to the design and functionality. You'll need an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend opting for an airy, firm mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the Mini Cot Bed in order to prevent your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish models, but it's not only about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your baby through the first 18 months. It can even convert into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it would suit any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, be sure it meets the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy the mattress for your cot that is perfect and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features like built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit steep however for parents who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.