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, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set-up and comes with an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds can be a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and spec to design and design. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is key. This crib is stylish, durable and is in compliance with the most current guidelines. It is also reasonably priced, and includes 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 cots4tots practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any colour scheme. What's more, it converts into a stylish toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base so it fits through the majority of doors, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep the essentials for your baby to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth until around four years of age. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or cot.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we tested and makes it more streamlined and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that lets you access the room easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When selecting a cot be sure to choose one that conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, make sure that the slats are firmly fixed to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.

A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the most support and do not sag. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with additional features like gentle rocking motions that help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect if you intend to use it right from birth and keep it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It has a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.

It's lightweight and portable, meaning you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant in the early stages. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents since it will last for as long as your child will need it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired styles that will look lovely in your nursery. It's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's easy to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. It's small size makes it an ideal option for those with low ceilings or small space. Its robust build also means it can stand the test of time and won't be at risk of falling apart as some cot beds are.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to wrap their child close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months but many parents find that having their child close to them prior to bedtime relaxing.

This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints and can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping 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, including an incline that aids in reflux.

While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years too. One parent tester said that her baby slept in this crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, making it easy to build and move around when needed. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's a bit pricey but it's worth it for the look and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend choosing a comfortable, breathable, and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from suffocating. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the most stylish cots we have on our list however it's not just about looks. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your baby through their first 18 months. It can be converted into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you opt for the matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot is chosen, make sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will prevent children from snagging their heads. Additionally the surface should not be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.

It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features like built-in storage, as well as removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are made to allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably and you can usually find cot beds that have plenty of storage space without costing a lot.

If you're looking for a high tech option, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds your baby's cry. It gently lulls them into sleep in a motion similar to their mother's womb. The price may be a bit steep however for parents with children who are fussy, it could be worth the cost.