Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

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 aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any style. What's more, it converts into a stylish toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It comes with two heights of the base which makes it easier to reach baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's also built with a shaped base, so it fits through most standard doorways, an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's even a dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It has two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high base and move down as your baby grows and begins to sit up unaided. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib for newborn crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

This cot is more sleek than other models that we've tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Parents were amazed at the ease with which 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 meet safety regulations. All cheap cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Look for pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. You should also invest in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with extra bonuses like gentle rocking motions that help settle 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 can be a great addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for an infant crib that you can use from birth and keep near your bed while baby sleeps, this one could be the one you're seeking. It's a compact design that fits easily through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, perfect for those nappy changes.

One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted into a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has a Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.

Another option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's simple to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for a long time and not break like some cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months however, many parents find having their child close to them before bedtime calming.

This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can blend it into your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years as well. One test-taker told us that her baby slept in this cot for two babies and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around if needed. It's a great option for parents with limited space. It could also serve as an cot that can be moved around. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's a bit costly however it's a worthwhile investment because of the design and the functionality. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend choosing a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish models, but it's not just about appearances. The cot is made to last for their first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it would suit any nursery, particularly when you choose a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, make sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches), as this will keep babies from getting their heads trapped. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to avoid being suffocated. You'll also need to buy the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps around the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that don't cost a fortune.

If you are looking for a modern option then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rocks them into sleep in a motion similar to their mother's womb. The price is a little steep, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.