Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to stop them from falling out. They come in a range 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 the cot's convenient storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, 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 be able to last through the newborn stage and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with modern grey finishes that suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in the majority of doors, an absolute benefit for busy parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep everything you need for your newborn close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or cot.
The slats on this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we looked at, which makes it more compact and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door so you can access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents loved how easy this cot was to set up, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it set up.
When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that meet safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, check that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is crucial that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Find pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. Also, you should consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a bedside crib that you can use from birth and place close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this might be what you're looking for. It's compact design fits through standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also simple to get up and go down, making it perfect to change nappy.
One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday if you wish. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who need to be able to reach their baby easily during the first few months of parenting. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a fitted mattress, which are both useful features.
good cribs will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed which is great for parents because it will last for as long as your child will need it. This is a gorgeous cot bed with a Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Full Statement liked its stylish panelled look. It is easy to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it a great option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for a long time and not break like other cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to wrap their child close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you'll be able to make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option 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 can be tilted to four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years too. One test-taker told us that her baby slept in this crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around if required. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything you need for your baby. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile cost due to the design and functionality. You'll need a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to stop your baby from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our most stylish, but it isn't just about looks. The cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to keep babies from snagging their heads. Also, the surface should not be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage without costing a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit expensive, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.