Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling off. There are numerous styles available from cribs for bed to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage space which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. top ranked cribs keep baby snug, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When shopping for a there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest standards. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool toddler bed or day bed to last for a long time. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through doors of all sizes and is a huge benefit for parents with a tight schedule. It even comes with a dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a higher level and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or cot.
The cot is more compact than other models that we have tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door so you can get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or loose fastenings.
A good quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and don't shrink like foams. It is also recommended to purchase an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines to ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful accessories, but only buy 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 put close to your bed when baby sleeps, this might be what you're searching for. It has a compact design that fits easily through 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 down from it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
It is lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It comes with a fitted mattress and a reflux wedge cover and a wedge cover, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed 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 beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also a good value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish paneled appearance. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its solid construction will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to wrap their child close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months, but many parents find their child close before bedtime calming.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted in four positions, including an incline which aids in reflux.
As well as looking attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One parent tester told us that her baby slept in this cot for two babies and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
This cot is also compact and small and easy to assemble and move around. It is a good choice for parents who have limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything your child needs. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent cost due to the design and function. You'll need to buy a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend a firm, breathable and snugly fitting mattress to prevent your child from suffocating. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. With two mattress heights, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months and can even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our tester found it would look great in any nursery, particularly when you choose a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.
If you are looking for a modern option for your baby, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently lulls into the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.