Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.

The mother tester Jasmin appreciated the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline setting to reduce reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When looking for a crib, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a stylish option for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that will suit any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. It's also built 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 even a matching dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot will grow with your baby from birth until around four years of age. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

The slats on this cot are positioned more together than some of the other models we looked at and makes it more streamlined and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to put together and our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.

When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.

It is crucial thate solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It is easy to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its robust build also means it will stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close to them prior to the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to be able to hold their child before they go to sleep.

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 a great option for parents with sloped ceilings and cot bed don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be can be tilted in four positions with an incline option that aids in reflux.

While it's attractive, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years too. One tester for parents told us that her baby was in the crib for two years and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.

The cot is also compact and small which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot, too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store all your little one's necessities. It's not cheap however it's a worthwhile cost due to the design and the functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend an airy, firm mattress that is snug to stop your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our most stylish models, but it's not just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress this cot will carry your newborn through their first 18 months. It can even convert into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery, particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot you choose, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep babies' heads from getting trapped. The surface should be smooth to prevent dangers of suffocation. You'll need to purchase a mattress for your cot that is perfect without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features, such as built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) These should be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed for your baby to sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space without costing a lot.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.