Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are numerous styles available, from bedside cribs to travel cots.

The mother tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set-up and has an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's Best cot for newborn friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest standards. It's also affordable, and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is no exception. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any style. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a standard drop-side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base, that means it can fit through the majority of doors, an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your baby close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high-height base and then move down as your little one grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

The slats of this cot are positioned more apart than other models we looked at This makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents loved the ease with which this cot was to set up, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

When you are choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

It is important that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not sag. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be 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 necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only purchase items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you want to use it from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors that have standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It is also easy to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice to change nappy.

It's light and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms or even during a trip. 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 comes with an incline wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted that are both beneficial features.

It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery cots. It's also good value for money if you consider how long it will be used for.

Another option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together, and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the years and won't be prone to falling apart as some cot beds are.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find that having their child close to them before bedtime calming.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents with sloped ceilings and don't 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 to help with reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful It's also a sturdy design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester's parent said that her baby had been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her next.

Another advantage is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around as needed. It's a great choice for parents who have limited space and can also function as a portable cot. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It's not cheap however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and snugly fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots and tots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months. It can transform into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless, and our tester thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will stop babies from getting their heads stuck. Also, the surface should not be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need to buy a crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable 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 & Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that don't cost a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit high, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.