Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage 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 comes with a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that can be matched to any style. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. It has 2 different heights for the base, making it easier to reach for Baby Crib and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base that means it can fit through most standard doorways, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It even comes with a dresser and change table to keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby from birth until around four years of age. It has two mattress heights so you can start with a high base and then lower as your child grows and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best cot newborn Moses basket, cot or crib.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer in comparison to other models we have tested This makes it more streamlined and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents loved how easy it was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.

Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are securely fixed to avoid any loose or loose fastenings.

It is important that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and don't shrink like foams. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover as well, as any soiling will get into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some cots are also equipped with extra bonuses, such as gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place near your bed while Baby Cot Bed sleeps, this might be just what you're searching for. It's compact design fits through doors that have standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.

One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both beneficial features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents as it will last for as long as your child needs it. This is a beautiful cot bed with a Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.

Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or Cribs with sloped ceilings. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not break like some cribs; Surewinfood wrote in a blog post,.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.

This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in eleven different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

As well as looking attractive, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years too. One parent tester told us that her baby was in the crib for two years and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

This cot is also compact and small which makes it easy to put together and move around. It's a great option for parents with a limited space and can also function as a portable cot. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the cost due to the design and the functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the cot frame to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots 4 tots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months. It can transform into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter which cot bed sales is chosen, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent babies from getting their heads stuck. Also, the surface should not be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.

Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are made to allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably and often find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.

If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is a little expensive, but it could be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.