Best Cots For Newborns

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

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set-up and comes with an incline to alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. And a good cribs cot needs to last through the infant stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest standards. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with 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 pass through doors of all sizes and is a huge bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep your baby's essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights, which means you can start with a higher base and then move down as your baby grows and learns to sit up unaided. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best rated cribs Moses basket or cot.

This cot is more sleek than other models that we tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to reach in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Parents loved how easy this cot was to set up Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up.

When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that are safe. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, ensure that the slats are securely fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.

A high-quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Find pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It is also recommended to consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots have additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect if you would like to use it from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. It has a compact design that fits easily through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.

It's light and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who want to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted 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 because it it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also an excellent value if you consider how long it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. It's small size makes it an ideal option for those with sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not break like other cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib in the bed allows parents to cuddle their infant close 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, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity before going to bed.

The cot comes in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

It's also a well-constructed design that will last into the toddler years. One tester for parents stated that her child used the crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.

Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around when needed. It's a great choice for parents with limited space. It could also serve as portable cot. Testers said it was easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything you need for your baby. It's a bit costly, but it's worth the investment because of the design and function. The cot doesn't include a mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and snugly fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the cot frame to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months and can transform into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you opt for an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you pick, make sure it meets the relevant regulations for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce suffocation risks. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature in check.

While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as 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 are made to allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.

If you're seeking a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rock the baby to sleep in a motion similar to the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit steep however for parents who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.