Best Cots For Newborns

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

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set-up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend, keeping baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and is in compliance with the most current guidelines. It is also reasonably priced, and comes with an extra mattress.

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

This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for a baby's first room, with a modern grey finish that'll suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two different base height positions too which makes it easier to reach baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through most standard doors which is a major advantage for parents who are time-strapped. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your newborn close to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a higher base and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib newborn crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

The slats on this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we tested This makes it more compact and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door that lets you access it easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that meet safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

It is important that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the most support and don't sag. Also, you should invest in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features that include gentle rocking movements 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 fantastic options, but make sure you purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a bedside crib that you can use from birth and keep near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.

One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted and a mattress, both of which are useful features.

It can also be converted to an infant bed using 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 gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.

Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish paneled appearance. It's simple to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that help keep your baby secure. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its solid construction also means it can stand the years and won't be prone to falling apart like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months however, many parents find that having their child close before bedtime soothing.

This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, so you can make it a part of your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted in four positions with an incline option that aids in reflux.

It's also a well-constructed design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's mother said that her baby slept in the cot beds for sale for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.

This cot is also compact and small which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held all of your baby's essentials. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We suggest a comfortable, breathable, and snugly fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming 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 sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two mattress height settings this cot will carry your baby through their first 18 months. It can transform into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent the baby's head from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to buy an crib mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

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

If you are looking for a modern option for your baby, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently rocks into a motion similar to the mother's womb. The price is high, but it might be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.