Best Cots For Newborns

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

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest standards. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room, with a modern gray finish that will suit any style. What's more, it converts into a stylish toddler bed or a day bed for long-lasting use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop-side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, so it fits through many standard doors, which is an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your baby close in your arms.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to support your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher level and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we have tested, which makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can access it easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, make sure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.

A good quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Look for pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best cots uk support and won't slide like foams. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover too, as any soiling will go directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage space for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for a bedside crib that can be used from birth and put close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be just what you're searching for. It's a small design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it perfect for changing nappy.

It is lightweight and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who require to be able to reach their baby 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 also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to move on from cot life. This is a beautiful cot bed that has the Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.

Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not fall apart like some cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.

The mini cot beds comes in a range 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 ceilings that slope who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that is built to last the toddler years too. One tester's parent said that her child had slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around if needed. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It's not cheap but it's an excellent cost due to the design and the functionality. You'll need to purchase a mattress for this cot. We recommend an airy, firm mattress that is snug to prevent your baby from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish, but it isn't just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months, and transform into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and Best Cots For Newborns stylish, and our testers found it would look great crib in any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter which cot you choose, be sure it meets the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. You'll also need to buy the right 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.

Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (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 are made to allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The price is a little expensive, but it could be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.