Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling out. There are many styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.

The mum tester Jasmin appreciated the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for 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 the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are looking for a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and design. And a good cot needs to last through the infant stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.

Gemma is the mother of Boden 13 months old has tested the product.

This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with a modern grey finish that'll suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base that means it can fit through most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It even comes with a dresser/changer to keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high base and move down as your baby grows and begins to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best rated cribs crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than other models we tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the diapers. Parents were impressed by how easy this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up.

When you are choosing a cot bed, look for ones that are safe. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A good quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Choose pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best infant cribs support and don't sag like foams. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots include extra features, such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful alternative, but be sure to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a bedside crib that can be used from birth and place close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this one might be what you're looking for. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also simple to get up and down from the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.

One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on vacation if you wish. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who need to have access to their infant easily in the early stages of parenting. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress and a mattress, both of which are 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 transition from cot life. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired designs that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also good value for money if you consider how long it will be used for.

Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It's easy to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height settings that help keep your baby safe. Its small dimensions make it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart as some cot beds are.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.

This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot to take up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

It's also a well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her child was in the cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around when required. It's a good fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to put together tots and cots the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It's not cheap but it's worth it for the look and functionality. You'll need a mattress for this crib. We suggest a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the cot frame to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our most stylish, but it isn't just about appearances. With two mattress heights, this cot will see your newborn through their first 18 months. It can transform into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you select, ensure that it complies with applicable regulations for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches), as this will keep babies from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface shouldn't be rough in order to avoid being suffocated. You'll need to buy the crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as built-in storage drawers, as well as sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in one cot beds with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep in a motion that resembles the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit high, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.