Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are many styles including bedside cribs to travel affordable cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting to help alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This cot is sleek, Best Cot Beds sturdy and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. It has 2 different heights for the base which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors, which is a great bonus for parents who are strapped for time. It even comes with a dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials close by.

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 high base and then move down as your child grows and learns to sit on their own. It won 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 ideal for smaller rooms. It also features a handy side door so you can access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that are safe. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped the cot should have bars that are not more than 6 centimeters apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A high-quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Find pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best support and won't slide like foams. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots are also equipped with additional features like gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a bedside crib that you can use from birth and keep near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It has a compact design that fits easily through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.

It's lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. 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 mattress that is fitted that are both beneficial features.

It also converts to a toddler bed with 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 the cot. This is a gorgeous cot bed with the Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It's easy to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy stature also means it will stand the years and won't be prone to falling apart as some cot beds are.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside lets parents snuggle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.

This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints and can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents with low ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

While it's attractive It's also a sturdy design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester's mother said that her baby spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.

The cot is also compact and small, making it easy to assemble and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your Baby Cot. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent investment because of the design and function. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to prevent your baby from getting drowned. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our most stylish, but it isn't just about appearances. With two mattress heights this cot will carry your baby through their first 18 months and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you choose, always make sure it meets the applicable requirements for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches), as this will keep babies from getting their heads stuck. Also, the surface should not be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges and made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.

It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed to let your baby rest comfortably and safely and you can usually find cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks them to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.