Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel most recommended cribs.

The mother tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline setting that can help alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often the best cot newborn friend of parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When shopping for a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also priced reasonably, and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for your baby's first room, with a modern gray finish that will suit any style. It can also be converted into a cool toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It has 2 different heights for the base which makes it easier to reach baby cots on Sale and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base, so it fits through the majority of doors, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It even comes with a dresser/changer to keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

The cot is more compact than the other models we have tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It comes with a convenient side door that lets you access the room easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When you are 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 to ensure that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are securely secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.

It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not sag. Also, you should consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots include additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.

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 has a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and down, making it perfect for changing nappy.

One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between rooms or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their infant in the beginning stages of their child's development. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are useful features.

It can also be converted into a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great crib news for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also 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's simple to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your baby safe. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its robust build will also ensure it stands the years and won't be prone to falling apart as some cot beds are.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib in the bed allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months but many parents find that having their child close to them before bedtime soothing.

This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted to four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years too. One test-taker said that her baby slept in this crib for two years and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

Another advantage is that the cot bed sales is small and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around if required. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent purchase due to its design and function. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend opting for an airy, firm mattress that is snug to keep your child from being suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two height settings for the mattress the cot can see your newborn through their 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 when you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to keep infants from getting their heads trapped. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to avoid suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials that ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with extra features like drawers for storage built-in and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed for your baby to sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that resembles 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.