Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling out. There are many styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline setting that can aid in reducing reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often a parent's best friend. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. But when shopping for one there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through newborn stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all the current standards. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.
Gemma is the mother of Boden 13 months old has tested the product.
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will fit in with any color scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or day bed for long-lasting use. It comes with two heights of the base making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's designed with a shaped base that means it can fit through the majority of doors, an absolute benefit for busy parents. It even comes with a dresser and change table to keep all your newborn essentials close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a higher base and then move down as your child grows and learns to sit up unaided. 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.
The cot is more compact than other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door that lets you get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were amazed at how easy it was to put together, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to have it set up.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not sag. You should also consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features that include gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and put close to your bed when baby sleeps, this one might be what you're searching for. It's a compact design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and go down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.
It is lightweight and portable, so it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to be able to access their baby easily during the first few days. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover, which are both useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also good value for money if you consider how long it will be used for.
Another alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's simple to put together and has a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside lets parents snuggle their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months but many parents find having their child near them before bedtime calming.
The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice for parents who have low ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a sturdy design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her next.
such a good point is that this cot is tiny and compact, making it easy to put together and move around if required. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's not cheap but it's an excellent cost due to the design and function. You'll need an additional mattress for this crib. We suggest a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. The cot is made to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you select the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, ensure that it complies with applicable requirements for your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent the baby's head from getting trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce suffocation risks. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials that ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features like built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed for your baby to sleep safely and comfortably and often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space without costing a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The price is high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.