Best cots for newborns - www.pdc.edu -

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling off. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for 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 warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This Mini Cot Bed is sleek, sturdy and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also affordable 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 contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through doors of all sizes and is a huge advantage for Cot Sets parents who are time-strapped. There's even a matching dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and then lower as your child grows and learns to sit up unaided. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.

This cot is more sleek than other models that we have tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also features a handy side door so you can get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.

Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.

A quality mattress for your cot is essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which provide the most support and do not sag. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will be absorbed directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots come with additional features like gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful addition, but remember to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect if you intend to use it right from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a compact design that can easily fit through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.

It is lightweight and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who require to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both useful features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed, which is great for parents as it will last as long as your child will need it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.

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 its elegant panelled design. It is easy to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its sturdy build means that it will last for a long time and not break like other cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can make it a part of your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents with sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

It's also a sturdy design that will last well into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her baby slept in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to put together and move around. It's a good fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's a bit pricey however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this cot. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from getting trapped. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our most stylish models, but it's not only about appearances. It's designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be converted to a toddler's bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery, especially if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what kind of cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and be made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.

It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot with extra features, such as built-in storage, as well as side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that don't cost 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 which responds to the baby's cry and gently rocks them to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.