Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. There are a variety of styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cheap cot bed has to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.

Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months, tested the product.

Mamas&Papas is a master at designing practical yet stylish nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with an elegant grey finish that will match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two base height positions too making it easier to reach for baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great benefit for parents who are time-strapped. There's even a matching dresser and change table to keep all your baby's necessities in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby from birth to about four years of age. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib for newborn cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

The slats on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we have tested, which makes it more streamlined and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappies. Parents were impressed by how easy it was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.

When you are choosing a cot bed, look for ones that meet safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A quality cot mattress is also key for the comfort of your baby cot online. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the best cot bed support and do not sag. Also, you should consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, since any dirt can get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots have additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a bedside crib that can be used from birth and put near your bed while baby sleeps, this one might be what you're seeking. Its compact design fits into doors with standard frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move around your home. It is also easy to climb up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.

One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight design allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip if you wish. 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 fitted mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge and a wedge cover, both of which are 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 as long as your child requires it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look lovely in your nursery and it's also good value for money when you consider the length of time it will be used for.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's an ideal choice for those with a smaller space or with a sloped ceiling. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not break like other cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to snuggle their baby up close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.

This crib from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, so you can match it to 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 a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into four positions and includes an incline that helps with reflux.

While it's attractive, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years as well. One test-taker told us that her baby slept in this cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.

Another advantage is that this cot is tiny and compact, so it's easy to set up and move around if required. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was simple to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer, which held everything your baby needs. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that is fitted to prevent your child from being suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino crib is among our sleekest models, but it's not just about appearances. This cot is designed to last for their first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery cots, especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing table and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you pick, make sure it meets the appropriate requirements for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop children from snagging their heads. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent suffocation. Also, you'll need to purchase the right cot mattress that is ideally sized without gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature regulated.

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

If you're looking to find a high-tech option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The cost is a bit expensive, but it could be worth the investment for sleepers who are fussy.