Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs beds.

The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting to reduce reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When you are looking for a cot, there are many things to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through the infant stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. The cot is sleek and durable and meets all the current guidelines. It's also affordable, and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery cots furniture. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It has 2 different base height positions too, making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes and is a huge bonus for parents with a tight schedule. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep everything you need for your baby close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot will grow with your baby, from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket, cot or crib.

This cot is more sleek than other models that we've tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that lets you access the room easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappy. Parents loved the ease with which this cot was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.

Make sure that the cot bed you choose comply with safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots and tots should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.

It is important that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Look for pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover too since any dirt or soil will be absorbed directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some cots come with additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want an infant crib that you can use from birth and keep close to your bed when the baby sleeps, this might be what you're seeking. It has a compact design that can easily fit through 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 to change nappy.

It's lightweight and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who need to access their newborn quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It also comes with a reflux wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover, which are both useful features.

The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents because it will last as long as your child requires it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy stature also means it will stand the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to cuddle their infant close before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.

This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to match it to the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a good option for parents with low 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 to help with reflux.

As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that will last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester told us that her baby was in the crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around when needed. It's a great choice for parents with a limited space. It can also function as an cot that can be moved around. It was simple to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It's a bit pricey but it's worth it for its design and function. You'll need to buy a mattress for this crib. We suggest settling for an airy, firm mattress that fits snugly to keep your child from being drowned. It should be a few inches shorter than the cot frame to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the most stylish cots we have on our list, but it's not all about looks. This cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you pick, ensure that it complies with relevant requirements for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will keep babies from snagging their heads. Additionally the surface should not be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase the cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed for your baby to sleep safely and comfortably and often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor which responds to the baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The price may be a bit steep however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.