Best Cots For Newborns

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

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set-up and comes with an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds can be the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When you are looking for a cot, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and design. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent guidelines. It is also reasonably priced and comes with 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 contemporary choice for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors which is a major advantage for parents who are time-strapped. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep everything you need for your baby close in your arms.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to support your baby from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and then lower it 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 most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.

The cot is more compact than the other models we have tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents loved how easy this cot was to put together, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that conform to safety regulations. All top rated cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

It is important that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots include additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great option, but make sure to only buy additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for families who would like to use it from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It has a compact design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.

It is lightweight and portable, so it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant during the first few days. It comes with a padded mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both beneficial features.

It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has the Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby secure. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.

This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can match it to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot to take up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years as well. One tester for parents told us that her baby slept in this crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

Another advantage is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to build and move around when required. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It's not cheap however, it's well worth the cost for the look and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this crib. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant models, but it's not only about appearances. It's designed to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it is suitable for any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter which cot you choose, make sure it meets the guidelines applicable to your baby cots online's age and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to stop children from getting their heads stuck. Also, the surface should not be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase the mattress for your cot that is perfect and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that has extra features such as built-in storage and side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are all-in one cot beds with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking to find a high-tech option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit high however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.