Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.

The mom tester Jasmin appreciated the storage compartment in the cot that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often a parent's best cots for newborns friend. They can keep baby warm and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is sleek and durable and meets all the most recent regulations. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas is a master at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that will suit any style. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for Best Cots For Newborns 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 shaped base allows it to fit through doors of all sizes and is a huge bonus for parents who are strapped for time. It even comes with a dresser/changer to keep your baby's essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot sales will expand with your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a higher level and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot newborn crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than the other models we tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door so you can get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When you are choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that meet safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.

It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they provide the most support and don't sag like foams. Also, you should purchase a waterproof mattress cover, because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for families who want to use it from the beginning and place it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It has a compact design that can easily fit through door frames that are standard and weighs only 6kg, so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down the top, making it ideal for changing nappy.

One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between rooms or even take it on holiday if you wish. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.

It can also be converted to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to transition from cot life. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has an Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

Another great option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together and has a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby secure. Its compact dimensions make it a great choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its solid construction also means it will stand the test of time and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months but many parents find that having their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.

This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to blend it into the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's also a great choice for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be tilted in four positions, including an incline that aids in reflux.

It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One test-taker said that her baby slept in this crib for two years and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

This cot is also small and best cots for newborns compact, making it easy to put together and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your baby. It's not cheap cot beds, but it's worth the cost due to the design and function. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not only about looks. The cot is designed to last your newborn for their first 18 months. It could also be converted to a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our test-run showed that it is suitable for any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you pick, make sure it meets the relevant requirements for your baby's age group and your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent infants from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which must be a perfect fit with no gaps around the edges. It should also be constructed of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.

It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that comes with additional features such as built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The most recommended cribs suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cot beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock their body to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit high, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.