Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling out. There are numerous styles available, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage space which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and has an inclined design to ease reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current guidelines. It's also priced reasonably, and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for the baby's first bedroom, with a modern gray finish that is suitable for any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, that means it can fit through many standard doors, which is a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep everything you need for your baby at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot will grow with your baby, from birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher level and then lower it as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than the other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose conform to 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 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A good quality mattress for your cot is essential for your baby's comfort. Look for pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover as well because any dirt will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots come with extra features like gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great additions, but only 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 put near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're seeking. It's a small design that can easily fit through standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between rooms or even take it on holiday should you want to. Its stand-alone design is a hit with many new parents who require to have access to their infant easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both beneficial features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. Baby Cot Bed 's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also a good value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact dimensions make it a great choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not break like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib for bed 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 room for the first six months but many parents find that having their child near them before bedtime soothing.
The cot comes in a variety of colors and paints that are non-toxic and can be matched to 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 to four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.
It's also a solidly built product that will last into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her child had been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her next.
This cot is also compact and compact and easy to assemble and move around. It is a good choice for parents with limited space and can also be used as portable cot. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It'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 recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to prevent your child from being trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our most elegant models, but it's not only about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months and can even convert 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. Especially if you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate standards for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will prevent babies from getting their heads stuck. Also, the surface should not be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress that is ideally sized with no gaps at the edges and made of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit high however, for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.