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 mother tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage space that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set-up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is key. This crib is stylish, durable and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It is also reasonably priced, and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any style. What's more, it converts into an adorable toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It has 2 different base height positions too which makes it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through doors of all sizes, which is a great benefit for parents who are strapped for time. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep all the essentials for your baby close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress levels which means you can start with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more sleek than other models that we've tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you access the room easily to feed, change nappies or change diapers. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When you are choosing a cot bed, look for ones that are safe. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and do not slide. Also, you should invest in an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have extra features, such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage space 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
This crib is perfect for those who would like to use it from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors that have standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down from the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
It is lightweight and portable, which means you can move it easily between rooms or even during a trip. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who need to have access to their infant quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
It also converts to a toddler bed with 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. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has the Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs just 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 small dimensions make it a great option for people with low ceilings or small areas. Its sturdy build means that it will last for a long time and not break like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.
This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted in four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One test-taker told us that her baby slept in this crib for two months and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around when needed. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot, too. most recommended cribs found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing everything you need for your baby. It is a bit expensive however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and function. You'll need an additional mattress for this cot. We suggest a firm, breathable and snugly fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest models, but it's not just about appearances. It's made to last for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our test subject found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, ensure that it complies with relevant standards for your baby's age and your home. top ranked cribs between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will keep babies from snagging their heads. Also, the surface should not be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features such as drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are made to allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find cot beds with plenty of storage space, without costing a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The price is expensive, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.