Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often a parent's best friend. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from spec 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. This crib is stylish, durable and is in compliance with the most current standards. It's also affordable, and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that is suitable for any style. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or day bed to make it a durable bed. It comes with two base height positions too making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors which is a major benefit for parents who are strapped for time. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your newborn close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a lower base and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
The slats on this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappies. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to put together Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Find cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Check that the slats of your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
A good quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Find pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with additional features like gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful option, but make sure to only purchase additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby.
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's compact design fits through standard door frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to access their baby easily in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is great for parents since it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful crib bed with a Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It's easy to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its robust construction means it will last for a long time and not fall apart like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months however, many parents find having their child close to them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, so you can make it a part of your bedroom or nursery decor. cot bed sales 's a good option for parents with sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in eleven different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
It's also a solidly built design that will last well into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her younger.
This cot is also small and compact, making it easy to put together and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing everything you need for your baby. cot bed sales 's a bit pricey however, it's well worth the cost for the look and functionality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to stop your child from being trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list, but it's not all about looks. This cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery - especially when you choose an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you pick, ensure that it complies with appropriate requirements for your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot with extra features such as built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for babies who are prone to fussiness.