Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child, which prevents 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 safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set-up and comes with an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, keeping baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of aspects to consider. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is stylish and sturdy and is in compliance with all of the latest guidelines. 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 first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors and is a huge bonus for parents who are time-strapped. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep all the essentials for your baby close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can start with a higher base and then move down as your baby develops and learns to sit on their own. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or cot.
The slats on this cot are positioned more apart than other models we have tested This makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it ready to use.
When selecting a cot, look for ones that meet safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cots should have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Check that the slats of your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is important that your baby has an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Find pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. It is also recommended to purchase an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots have additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for those who intend to use it right from the beginning and place it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's a small design that fits easily through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.
It's lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it between rooms or even during a trip. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it it will last until your child is ready to transition from cot life. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired looks that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also an excellent value if you consider how long it will be used for.
Another option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it an ideal choice for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller areas. Its robust build also means it will stand the years and won't be at risk of falling apart like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however 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 paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you can match it to the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot to take up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into four positions with an incline option which aids in reflux.
As well as looking attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One test-taker stated that her child was in the crib for two months and it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.
Another plus is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to put together and move around if required. It's a great choice for parents who have limited space and could also serve as portable cot. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It's a bit costly however it's a worthwhile purchase due to its design and functionality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to keep your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to avoid your child being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list however it's not just about looks. It's designed to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our testers found it would look great in any nursery - especially if you opt for an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you pick, make sure it meets the applicable regulations for your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent children's heads from becoming stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll need the crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features, such as built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots are designed for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely and you can usually find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing a fortune.
If best cot beds looking for a cutting-edge alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep in a way that mimics their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit expensive however, for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.