Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are a variety of styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.

The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage compartment that is perfect for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline option to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend, keeping baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When shopping for a, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent standards. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for your baby's first room with a contemporary gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. What's more, it converts into a stylish toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base which means it can be used in most standard doorways, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It even comes with a dresser/changer to keep all your baby's necessities close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This Mini Cot Bed will grow with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for 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 have tested, which makes it more sleek and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to get in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the diapers. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to put together and our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.

Make sure that the cot bed you choose conform to safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Choose pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and won't slide like foams. Also, you should purchase an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with extra bonuses like gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and keep close to your bed when the baby sleeps, this could be the one you're looking for. It has a compact design that can easily fit through door frames that are standard and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.

It's light and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who require to access their newborn quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.

It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. It's a stunning cot sets with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also a good cribs value considering the length of time it will be used for.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its elegant panelled design. It's easy to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its compact dimensions make it a great option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its robust construction means it will last for a long time and not break like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find that having their child close to them prior to bedtime relaxing.

This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, so you can match it to the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a good option for parents who have high ceilings that slope and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

While it's attractive, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester's mother said that her baby had slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her next.

Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, making it easy to put together and move around if needed. It's a great choice for parents with little space. It can also be used as an cot that can be moved around. It was easy to assemble and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for an airy, firm mattress that is snug to prevent your child from being suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the cot frame to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two mattress heights the cot can see your baby through their first 18 months. It can even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it would suit any nursery - especially in the event that you decide to purchase an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter which cot you choose, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce dangers of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.

While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a lot.

If you're seeking a cutting-edge option then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that responds your baby's cries. It gently rock the baby to sleep in an identical way to their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit expensive however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.