Best Cots For Newborns

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

The mom tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage space that is perfect for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and has an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend. They keep baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. This cot is sleek, sturdy and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress.

Gemma is the mother of Boden 13 months old has tested the product.

Mamas&Papas is a master at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a stylish toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also designed with a shaped base, that means it can fit through most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a high base and then lower as your child develops and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer together than some of the other models we looked at and makes it more sleek and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door, allowing you to access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that are safe. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the best crib newborn support and do not sag. You should also invest in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots and tots also come with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking movements to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to 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 are safe and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for an infant crib that you can use from birth and place close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this one could be the one you're looking for. It's a small design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and go down, which makes it ideal for changing nappy.

It's lightweight and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily during the first few days. It also includes a reflux wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted 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 move on from cot life. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has a Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled look. It is easy to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its robust build will also ensure it stands the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib in the bed lets parents snuggle their infant close just 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 soothing 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 customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents who have low ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted in four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.

While it's attractive It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her child had been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.

Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around when needed. It's a good fit for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the investment because of the design and the functionality. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this cot. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to stop your child from being trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months and can even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our testers found it would look great in any nursery - especially when you choose an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you pick, make sure it meets the applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. You'll also need to buy the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges and be made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.

Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The best Cots (tupalo.com) are made to allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely and often find cot beds with plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.

If you are 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 rocks them into sleep in an identical way to their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit steep however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.