Best Cots For Newborns

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

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline setting that can help alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This crib is stylish, durable and meets all the latest standards. It is also reasonably priced and includes an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish choice for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby 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 that will keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher level and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

The cot is more compact than other models that we tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It also comes with a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it ready to use.

Make sure that the cot bed you choose conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, check that the slats are firmly fixed to avoid any loose or rusty fastenings.

It is important that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not sag. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover too since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with extra bonuses like gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful alternative, but be sure to only buy additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you want to use it from birth and have it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a small 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 simple to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.

It's light and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who require to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are useful 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 as it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also an excellent value if you consider how long it will be used for.

Another great option is this simple solid pine cheap cot bed that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It's easy to put together and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to wrap their child close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months however, many parents find having their child close to them before bedtime soothing.

This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, so you can make it a part of your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline which aids in reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester told us that her baby used the crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

Another benefit is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around as needed. It's an ideal choice for parents who have 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 is a bit expensive but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. The cot doesn't include an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that is fitted to prevent your child from being trapped. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your newborn through their first 18 months. It can transform into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless, and our tester thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you select, ensure that it is in compliance with the relevant standards for your baby's age group and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent babies from snagging their heads. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough in order to avoid being suffocated. You'll need a cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.

While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots 4 tots are designed for your baby to rest comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit steep, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.