Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to your side of the bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline setting to reduce 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 crib, there are a lot of things to consider. 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 crucial. This cot is sleek and durable, and it meets all of the latest standards. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.

Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old, tested the product.

This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or a day bed for long-lasting use. It comes with two base height positions too which makes it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's built with a shaped base, so it fits through many standard doors, which is a real bonus for time-stretched parents. There's even a matching dresser and change table to keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to be used by your baby from newborn up to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can start with a high base and then lower as your baby develops and learns 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 choice for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than other models that we've tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappy. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to set up, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.

Make sure that the cot bed you choose conform to safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or rusty fittings.

A good quality cot mattress is also key to ensure your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs that provide the best infant cribs support and do not slide. You should also consider investing in an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra features like gentle rocking motions that help settle your baby (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 can be a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you intend to use it right from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It is also easy to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.

One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on holiday if you wish. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a fitted mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents because it will last as long as your child needs it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also a good value when you consider 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 old and costs just PS372. Our testers loved the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to put together and comes with an easy-to-use storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that help keep your newborn safe. Its small dimensions make it a great choice for those with low ceilings or small areas. Its robust construction means it will last for many years and will not break like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child prior to putting them to sleep.

This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice for parents who have low ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in eleven different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

While it's attractive, it's a solid design that should last through the toddler years too. One tester's parent said that her child had been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.

Another advantage is that the cot is small and compact, so it's easy to build and move around when required. It's an ideal choice for parents with smaller rooms and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store all your little one's necessities. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent cost due to the design and functionality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend choosing a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to stop your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two height settings for the mattress the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our test subject thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, make sure that it complies with the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent infants from getting their heads stuck. Also the surface should not be rough in order to avoid being suffocated. You'll need an crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as drawers for storage built-in and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) These should be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cot bed cots 4 tots are designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely, and you can often find cribs that offer plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.

If you are seeking a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rocks into a motion similar to the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit expensive however, for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.