Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling out. There are a variety of styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, keeping baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When looking for a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is essential. The cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all the most recent regulations. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
Mamas&Papas is a master at designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this crib is not an exception. It's a stylish choice for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that will suit any color scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed or a day bed to last for a long time. It comes with two base height positions too making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your baby close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher level and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.
The cot is more compact than other models we've tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.
Look for cot beds that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.
It is crucial that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover, too, as any soiling will be absorbed directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots are also equipped with extra bonuses that include gentle rocking motions to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are wonderful accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and keep near your bed while the baby sleeps, this might be just what you're looking for. It's a small design that fits easily through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down from, perfect for those nappy changes.
It's lightweight and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to reach their baby quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a reflux wedge cover that are both useful features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents as it will last for as long as your child requires it. This is a gorgeous crib bed with the Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is also a great option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's easy to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those who has a smaller space or who has sloped ceilings. Its robust build also means it will stand the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed lets parents snuggle their infant close just before 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 soothing to have their child close prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint in a wide variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to blend it into the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope who don't want a cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted in eleven different heights, and can be tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
It's also a well-constructed product that will last into the toddler years. Cots For Tots UK said that her baby slept in this crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
This cot is also compact and small and easy to assemble and move around. It's a great choice for parents who have limited space and could also serve as an cot that can be moved around. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer, which held all of your baby's essentials. It's expensive, but worth the investment for its design and function. The cot isn't equipped with an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to prevent your child from being trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our most elegant models, but it's not just about appearances. With two mattress height settings the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months, and be converted into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our test-run showed that it would look great in any nursery, especially when you choose a matching changing unit and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure that it complies with the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to keep infants from snagging their heads. Also, the surface should not be rough to prevent suffocation. You'll also need to buy an appropriate cot mattress which must be a perfect fit with no gaps around the edges and made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.
It's tempting, but you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage or side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply made to allow your baby to sleep comfortably and safely, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space, without costing a fortune.
If you're looking for a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rocks their body to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The cost might be a bit expensive, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.