Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling out. They come in a range of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline setting to help alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often a parent's best cot newborn friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one there's plenty to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This crib is stylish, durable and meets all the latest regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress.

Gemma is the mother of Boden, 13 months, tested the product.

Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern option for the Baby Cot Bed's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-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. It's shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes and is a huge bonus for parents who are strapped for time. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your baby to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels, so you can begin with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&cheap baby Cots awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

The slats of this cot are positioned more together than some of the other models we looked at and makes it more sleek and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It has a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that are safe. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.

It is essential that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. It is also recommended to purchase a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for those who want to use it from birth and keep it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.

It is lightweight and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover, which are both useful features.

The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is great crib for parents as it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a gorgeous cot bed with the Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It's easy to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its solid construction also means it will stand the test of time and will not 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 cuddle their infant 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 close to them before bedtime soothing.

The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

While it's attractive It's also a sturdy design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her baby slept in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.

Another plus is that the cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around when needed. It's an ideal fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's expensive, but worth the investment for its design and function. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend opting for an airy, firm mattress that is snug to prevent your baby from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of 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 cot is among our most elegant models, but it's not only about looks. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby cots online through the first 18 months, and even convert into a toddler 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, especially if you opt for an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

Whatever cot is chosen, make sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent children's heads from becoming trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce suffocation risks. You'll need to buy a cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.

It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot with extra features like built-in storage or removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find cribs that offer plenty of storage space without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a high tech alternative then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's cry. It gently lulls them into sleep in an identical way to their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.