Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling off. There are best crib for newborn including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and comes with an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This crib is stylish, durable and is in compliance with the most current guidelines. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this crib is not an exception. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It has 2 different heights of the base making it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep the essentials for your baby close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and move down as your child grows and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.
The cot is more compact than the other models we have tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms. It also has a handy side door, allowing you to access it easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to set up Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. To keep your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the best support and don't sag. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like gentle rocking movements to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for those who intend to use it right from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also simple to get up and down the top, making it ideal for changing nappy.
It's lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who need to access their newborn easily in the early stages of parenting. It also includes an incline wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to transition from cot life. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also a good value considering the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked its stylish panelled look. It's simple to put together, and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They help keep your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its solid construction also means it will stand the test of time and will not be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room 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 variety of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful It's also a sturdy design that will last through the toddler years too. One parent tester said that her baby used the crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around if needed. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent investment because of the design and function. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that is fitted to prevent your baby from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the cot frame to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. This cot is designed to last for their first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by adding 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 opt for the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, make sure it is in line with the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase an appropriate cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot that has extra features, such as built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in one cot beds with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.