Best Cots For Newborns

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

The mom tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and has an incline setting to reduce reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They can keep baby warm, and (hopefully) asleep soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to think about, from specifications and safety to design and. A good cot should be able to last through the infant stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern choice for baby's first bedroom, with a modern grey finish that'll fit in with any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two base height positions too which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to fit through most standard doors which is a major benefit for parents who are time-strapped. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep everything you need for your baby to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and teaches them how to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

This cot is more sleek than the other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents loved how easy this cot was to put together, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

Find cot beds that conform to safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs that provide the best support and do not sag. It is also recommended to invest in an waterproof mattress cover since any dirt can get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

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


3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect if you intend to use it right from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It has a compact design that can easily fit through door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to climb up and down from the top, making it ideal for those diaper changes.

It is lightweight and portable, meaning you can easily move it between rooms, or even when you go on vacation. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to easily access their infant during the first few days. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are useful features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is great for parents because it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a beautiful crib bed with a Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.

affordable cots is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It's easy to put together and has an easy-to-use storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that help keep your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it a great option for those with low ceilings or small spaces. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be at risk of falling apart as some cot beds are.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to have their child close before going to bed.

This cot is available in a variety of colors and non-toxic paints and can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into four positions and includes an incline which aids in reflux.

It's also a solidly built product that will last into the toddler years. One tester's mother said that her baby had been sleeping in the cot for two years and was in good shape to pass it on to her next.

Another advantage is that this cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around when required. It's a great option for parents with little space. It can also be used as a portable cot. It was easy to put together and the testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your baby. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent purchase due to its design and functionality. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend choosing a firm, breathable and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able to get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our most elegant models, but it's not only about appearances. It's made to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a toddler's bed by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our test-run showed that it would look great in any nursery, particularly in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you pick, ensure that it complies with appropriate regulations for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface must be smooth to reduce the risk of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase an appropriate cot mattress that is ideally sized without gaps at the edges and be made of breathable materials to keep your baby's temperature in check.

While it's tempting to purchase a cot with extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.

If you are looking for a high tech alternative for your baby, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cry. It gently rock the baby to sleep in a motion similar to the womb of their mother. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for fussy sleepers.