Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. They come in a range of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.

The mum tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage compartment which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When shopping for a there's plenty to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is key. This cot is sleek, sturdy and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas is adept at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a modern choice for a baby's first room, with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into an adorable toddler bed or day bed for long-lasting 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. And it's designed with a shaped base which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's even a dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby, from birth to about four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and then lower as your child grows and learns to sit on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best cots Moses basket, cot or crib.

The slats on this cot are spaced closer in comparison to other models we have tested, which makes it more streamlined and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to get in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.

Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

It is crucial that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Look for pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they provide the most support and won't slide like foams. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover too, as any soiling will get into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some best cots uk are also equipped with additional features like gentle rocking movements to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit securely 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 keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors that have standard frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It is also easy to climb up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.

It is lightweight and portable, so you can move it easily between rooms or even on holiday. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who need to access their newborn quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a fitted mattress, which are both useful features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is great for parents as it will last as long as your child needs it. It's a stunning cot with Scandi-inspired designs that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also a good value if you consider how long it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our testers loved the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby secure. Its small size makes it an ideal choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its sturdy stature also means it will stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be kept in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child close before they go to sleep.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, meaning you can blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a good option for parents who have high ceilings that slope and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

While it's attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester's mother said that her baby had slept in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.

Another plus is that this cot is tiny and compact, making it easy to build and move around if needed. It's a great choice for parents with a limited space and can also function as a portable cot. 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's not cheap, but it's worth the cost due to the design and function. The cot doesn't include an mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to keep your child from being drowned. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to ensure that your child is not able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list however, it's not all about appearances. With two mattress height settings this cot will carry your newborn through their first 18 months and can be converted into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you select the matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, always ensure that it complies with appropriate standards for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent children's heads from becoming trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature regulated.

It's tempting, but take a close look at your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that has extra features such as built-in storage, as well as side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in one sale cot beds with lots of storage space that don't cost a fortune.

If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rock their body to sleep in a way that resembles the womb of their mother. The price is expensive, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.