Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to keep them from falling out. They come in a range of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage space which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's
best cots friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When you are looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent standards. It's also affordable, and includes an extra mattress.
Gemma is the mother of Boden, 13 months has tested the product.
This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby, with a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. It's also built with a shaped base which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep all the essentials for your baby close at hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a lower base and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns how 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.
The slats of this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we tested This makes it more compact and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to have it ready to use.
Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Choose pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these offer the
best rated cribs support and don't sag like foams. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal if you intend to use it right from the beginning and place it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It has a compact design that fits easily through door frames that are standard and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it the perfect choice to change nappy.
It is lightweight and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms or even during a trip. Its standalone design is popular with new parents who want to access their newborn quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both useful features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to transition from cot life. This is a beautiful crib bed with the Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. It's small size makes it an ideal choice for those with low ceilings or small spaces. Its robust build also means it will stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to wrap their child close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.
This
mini cot beds from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you'll be able to blend it into the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into four positions with an incline option which aids in reflux.
As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that is built to last the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her baby had spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to assemble and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was simple to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It's not cheap, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to prevent your child from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish models, but it's not just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months, and be converted into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless, and our tester found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, ensure that it complies with appropriate regulations for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need to purchase an cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with extra features like drawers for storage built-in and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb.
