Best Cots For Newborns

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 cots offers that are attached to your side of the bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline option to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are the Best cot for newborn friend of parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are 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 last from birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.

Gemma, mother of Boden, 13 months, tested the product.

This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern choice for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two heights for the base which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's also designed with a shaped base, that means it can fit through many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It even comes with a dresser/changer that will keep your Baby Crib's essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high-height base and move down as your child grows and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cots for newborns cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door so you can reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.

Find cot beds that comply with safety standards. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars that are not more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, check that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.

A quality cot mattress is also key for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. It's important to invest in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking motions to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for families who would like to use it from the beginning and place it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also simple to climb up and down from the top, making it ideal for those diaper changes.

It's lightweight and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms or even during a trip. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a fitted mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge, both of which are useful features.

It also converts to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also a good value considering the length of time it will be used for.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It is easy to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small cot beds size makes it an ideal option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to wrap their child close before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.

This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, so you'll be able to blend it into the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents with sloped ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

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

This cot is also small and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It is a good choice for parents with limited space. It can also be used as an cot that can be moved around. It was easy to assemble and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's not cheap however, it's well worth the cost for its design and function. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to stop your baby from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list however it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your newborn through their first 18 months, and transform into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure it meets the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop infants from snagging their heads. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature in check.

It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that has extra features such as built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The cost is a bit steep, but it could be worth it for fussy sleepers.