Best Cots For Newborns

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

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It is also easy to set-up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, keeping baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When you are looking for a crib, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. From safety and spec to design and design. A good cot has to last through newborn stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current guidelines. It is also reasonably priced, and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a contemporary choice for a baby's first room, with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. 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. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors which is a major bonus for parents who are strapped for time. There's even a matching dresser/changer that will keep your baby's essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot sets can grow with your baby, from birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or Best Cots For Newborns crib, cot or crib.

The cot is more compact than the other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you reach in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped, all online cots should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, ensure that the slats are securely secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.

A good quality mattress for your cot is essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and don't sag. It is also recommended to purchase an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you intend to use it right from birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors that have standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.

One of our mom test participants described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are useful features.

It can also be converted to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from cot life. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired designs that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also an excellent value if you consider how long it will be used for.

Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its elegant panelled design. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for a long time and not break like other cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child close before they go to sleep.

This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you can make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents who have low ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be tilted into four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.

It's also a solidly built product that will last into the toddler years. One tester's mother said that her child had spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around as needed. It's a great option for parents who have limited space. It can also function as a portable cot. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's expensive, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to stop your baby from getting drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our sleekest, but it isn't just about appearances. It's designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure it meets the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase an mattress for your cot that is perfect and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features, such as drawers for storage built-in and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.