Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.
The mother tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage space that is perfect for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline option to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping 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 be able to last through newborn stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is stylish and robust, and it meets all the most recent guidelines. It's also affordable, and comes with an extra mattress.
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 your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that is suitable for any style. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or daybed to last for a long time. It comes with two heights for the base which makes it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in most standard doorways, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It even comes with a dresser/changer that will keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two levels of mattress which means you can start with a lower base and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
The cot is more compact than other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that allows you to reach in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappy. Parents were impressed by how easy this cot was to set up Our tester took only 12 minutes to get it set up.
Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Check that the slats of your cot are securely attached to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
A high-quality mattress for your cot is essential for your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the best support and do not sag. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover too since any dirt or soil will get into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra features like gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that you can use from birth and keep near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're searching for. It's a small design that can easily fit through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.
One of our mum test participants described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between rooms or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to have access to their infant easily in the early stages of parenting. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.
It also converts to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from cot life. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its stylish panelled look. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space 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 in the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month but many parents find having their child close before bedtime calming.
This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot taking up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline that helps with reflux.
In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One tester's parent said that her baby had slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her younger.
Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around as needed. It's a good fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that held all of your baby's essentials. It's not cheap but it's worth it for its design and function. You'll need an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant models, but it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings this cot will carry your baby through their first 18 months. It can transform into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.
Regardless of what type of cot you choose, always ensure that it complies with relevant standards for your baby's age group and your home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches), as this will prevent infants from getting their heads trapped. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit without gaps at the edges and made from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but you should take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to purchasing a cot with extra features like built-in storage, as well as removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed for your baby to rest comfortably and safely and often find cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a modern option, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds your baby's cry. It gently lulls them into sleep in an identical way to the mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.