Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling out. There are numerous styles available from cribs for bed to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage compartment, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline setting to reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep soundly. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all the current standards. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room, with a modern gray finish that can be matched to any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two heights of the base making it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also built with a shaped base, that means it can fit through most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's even a matching dresser/changer that will keep your baby's essentials in one place.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more streamlined than other models we tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When you are choosing a cot bed, look for ones that are safe. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, make sure that the slats are firmly fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.
A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential for the comfort of your baby. Find pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these offer the best support and don't shrink like foams. It is also recommended to invest in a waterproof mattress cover, because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
top ranked cribs come with additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be 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
This crib is ideal if you would like to use it from the beginning and place it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's a small design that can easily fit 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 climb up and down from it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight design lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its standalone design is a favorite among 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 cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful 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 transition from cot life. This is a gorgeous crib bed with an Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its robust construction means it will last for many years and will not fall apart like some cot-beds.
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 month but many parents find having their child close before bedtime calming.
This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you can blend it into your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
While it's attractive, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years as well. One test-taker told us that her baby was in the crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to build and move around when required. It's a great option for parents with a limited space and can also be used as an cot that can be moved around. It was easy to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile cost due to the design and function. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months, and 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 found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, make sure it meets the relevant regulations for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop children from snagging their heads. Additionally the surface should not be rough in order to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase the mattress for your cot that is perfect without gaps around the edges. It should also be made of air-tight materials to regulate your baby's body temperature.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are made to allow your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then 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 way that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit steep however, for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.