Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep 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 secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. 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 rated cribs friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When looking for a crib, there are a lot of aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is crucial. The cot is sleek and durable and meets all the current regulations. It is also reasonably priced and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby cots online than a standard drop-side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from the time of birth to about four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can begin with a high-height base and move down as your child develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

The slats of this cot are positioned more together than some of the other models we looked at and makes it more streamlined and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed, change nappies or change diapers. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When you are choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not slide. It is also recommended to purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great addition, but remember to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you want to use it from birth and keep it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and down from, perfect for changing nappy.

One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who need to access their newborn quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are useful features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is great for parents since it will last as long as your child will need it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.

Another great crib option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller room or with sloped ceilings. Its robust build also means it can stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib lets parents snuggle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months but many parents find having their child near them before bedtime soothing.

This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you can blend it into your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

It's also a well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. One parent tester said that her baby used the crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

This cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's expensive but it's worth it for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress for this cot. We recommend a comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two mattress height settings this cot will carry your baby through the first 18 months and can be converted into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would look great in any nursery, especially in the event that you decide to purchase an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter which cot sets is chosen, make sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent children's heads from becoming trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized with no gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials that 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 like built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a modern alternative then the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that responds your baby's cries. It gently rock the baby to sleep in a motion similar to the womb of their mother. The price is a little expensive, but it could be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.