Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When looking for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This cot is stylish and sturdy and is in compliance with all of the latest regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this crib is not an exception. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. It comes with two different heights for the base making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through doors of all sizes which is a major bonus for parents with a tight schedule. It even comes with a dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth until around four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a high base and then lower as your child grows and learns to sit up unaided. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket or cot.

The slats of this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we tested and makes it more sleek and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that allows you to reach in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Parents loved how easy this cot was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.

Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, make sure that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.

A high-quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and don't sag. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover too since any dirt or soil will get into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some cots offers come with additional features like gentle rocking movements to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that 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 items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for an infant crib that can be used from birth and put close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It has a compact design that fits easily through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.

One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation if you wish. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress that is fitted, which are both useful features.

It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a beautiful crib bed with the Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for a long time and not fall apart like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.

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

It's also a solidly built product that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her child was in the crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

This cot is also small and small which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It's not cheap however, it's well worth the cost for the look and functionality. You'll need a mattress for this cot. We recommend a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to stop your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots 4 tots on our list, but it's not all about looks. This cot sets is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless, and our tester found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what kind of cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable regulations for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent children from getting their heads stuck. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need to buy the mattress for your cot that is perfect without gaps around the edges. It should also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot with extra features such as 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 to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing you a fortune.

If you're seeking a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently lulls them into sleep in the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost might be a bit expensive however, for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the cost.