Best Cots For NewbornsA cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. There are a variety of styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set-up and has an incline that helps with reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This cot is sleek, sturdy and is in compliance with the most current standards. It's also priced reasonably and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for your baby's first room, with a modern gray finish that is suitable for any colour scheme. What's more, it converts into a stylish toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base which means it can be used in the majority of doors, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your newborn close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
This cot is more sleek than the other models we have tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can access it easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to set up and our tester took only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.
A quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the most support and don't sag. It is also recommended to consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots include extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great option, but make sure to only buy additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want an infant crib that you can use from birth and place close to your bed when baby sleeps, this could be the one you're searching for. It has a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip should you want to. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to access their newborn easily during the first few months of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are beneficial features.
It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to move on from cot life. This is a gorgeous cot bed with the Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's simple to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its small size makes it an ideal option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not fall apart like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first six month however, many parents find their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This crib from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, so you'll be able to blend it into your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
While it's attractive It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her baby had slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
This cot is also compact and small and easy to assemble and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was simple to put together and Cots4Tots the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for the look and functionality. You'll need a mattress separately for this crib. We suggest settling for an airy, firm mattress that is fitted to prevent your baby from getting suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the cot frame to prevent your child from being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest, but it isn't just about appearances. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months and can be converted into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our testers believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you opt for the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, make sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress which should fit perfectly with no gaps around the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.
While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as 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 the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are designed for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage space without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The price may be a bit expensive however, for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.
