Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to stop them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, keeping baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the infant stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is an excellent illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for a baby's first room, with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It comes with two heights for the base which makes it easier to reach baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors which is a major advantage for parents who are strapped for time. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your baby at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby from birth to about four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can begin with a higher base and move down as your child develops and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The cot is more compact than the other models we've tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that allows you to get in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
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 don't get caught. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Find pocket springs or latex-coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best support and won't slide like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover as well because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots have extra features, such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful options, but make sure you purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this one could be the one you're looking for. It's a small design that fits easily through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down from the top, making it ideal for changing nappy.
It is lightweight 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 want to be able to reach their baby easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. This is a beautiful cot bed with the Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for a long time and not break like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched to 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 11 different heights and tilted into four positions with an incline option that aids in reflux.
As well as looking attractive, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester's mother said that her baby had been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.
This cot is also small and compact, making it easy to assemble and move around. It is a good choice for parents with a limited space. It can also be used as a portable cot. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. cots to tots 's not cheap but it's an excellent cost due to the design and the functionality. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for this cot. We suggest a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months. It can transform into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it would suit any nursery, particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep children's heads from becoming trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges and made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that has extra features such as built-in storage and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib 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 might be a bit expensive however for parents who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.