Best Cots For Newborns

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

The mum tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It is 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 baby cots friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are many things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and robust, and it meets all the most recent standards. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into a stylish toddler bed or day bed to make it a durable bed. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. And it's built with a shaped base, which means it can be used in the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep everything you need for your baby close to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot will grow with your baby from birth to around four years of age. It comes with two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby Cot Bed awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top rated cots pick for parents.

The cot is more compact than the other models we have tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappy. Parents loved how easy it was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.

When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that are safe. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, check that the slats are securely secured to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.

A high-quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Look for pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and won't slide like foams. Also, you should invest in an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots have additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only purchase additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a crib for your bed that you can use from birth and keep close to your bed while your the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. Its compact design fits into doors that have standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, making it perfect for changing nappy.

One of our mom test participants described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it on holiday should you want to. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to access their baby easily in the early stages. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. This is a beautiful cot bed that has a Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.

Another great option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its robust build will also ensure it stands the years and won't be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before they go to sleep.

This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents who have low ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful and appealing, it's a durable design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One tester's mother said that her baby been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her next.

This cot is also small and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It is a good choice for parents with a little space. It can also function as a portable cot. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It's not cheap but it's an excellent investment because of the design and functionality. You'll need a mattress for this cot. We recommend choosing a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to stop your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our most stylish models, but it's not just about appearances. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it is suitable for any nursery, especially when you choose an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, make sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most ideal online cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are all-in one cot beds with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.

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