Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents 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 for secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage compartment, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are the perfect companion for parents. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When you are looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and spec to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, so durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest regulations. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture, and this crib is no exception. It's a contemporary choice for baby's first bedroom, with an elegant grey finish that will suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two different heights of the base, making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through doors of all sizes and is a huge advantage 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 crib is designed to support your baby from birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher level and then lower it as the baby grows and learns to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket and is a top pick for parents.
The slats of this cot are more spaced in comparison to other models we tested, which makes it more streamlined and suitable for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door so you can access it easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to set up, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, make sure that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.
A good quality mattress for your cot is essential for the comfort of your baby. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the most support and do not sag. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover as well because any dirt will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots come with extra features that include gentle rocking motions to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want an infant crib that can be used from birth and put near your bed while baby sleeps, this might be just what you're seeking. It has a compact design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
It's lightweight and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant in the early stages. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a fitted mattress and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents as it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful cot bed that has an Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled design. It's easy to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller room or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy stature also means it will stand the years and won't be prone to falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months however, many parents find that having their child near them before bedtime soothing.
This crib from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, so you can make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted in four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed design that will last into the toddler years. One tester's mother said that her baby been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around as needed. It is a good choice for parents who have limited space. It could also serve as portable cot. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing everything you need for your baby. best crib newborn is a bit expensive, but it's worth the purchase due to its design and function. You'll need a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that is fitted to prevent your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to get out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our sleekest models, but it's not just about appearances. It's designed to last for the first 18 months of their life. It can also be transformed to a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it would look great in any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you select, ensure that it complies with relevant standards for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent children from snagging their heads. Additionally the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent 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 that ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before purchasing a cot that has extra features like built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). 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 don't cost a fortune.
If you're looking to find a high-tech option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks their body to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother's womb. The price may be a bit expensive, but for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.