Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style
top rated cots that attach to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline setting that can reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds can be the best friend of parents. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. However, when you're looking for one there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest standards. It's also affordable, and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool toddler bed or daybed for long-lasting use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great benefit for parents with a tight schedule. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep all the essentials for your newborn close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a higher 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 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
This cot is more sleek than the other models we've tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
When selecting a cot, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and don't sag. Also, you should invest in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect if you would like to use it from the beginning and place it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It has a compact design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.
It is lightweight and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms or even on holiday. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are useful features.
It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its
small cot beds size means it's an ideal choice for those with a smaller room or with sloped ceilings. Its solid construction will also ensure it stands 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 wish to wrap their child close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you'll be able to match it to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents with high ceilings that slope and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
While it's attractive, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her child slept in this cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, making it easy to build and move around if needed. It is a good choice for parents with a little space. It could also serve as a portable cot. Testers said it was easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's a bit pricey but it's worth it for its design and function. The cot doesn't include an mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest a firm, breathable and snugly fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not only about appearances. This cot is made to last for the first 18 months of their life. It could also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless and our testers found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
It's tempting, but carefully consider 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 for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and often find
top ranked cribs that offer plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.
If you're looking for a high tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying.
