Best Cots For Newborns

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

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment 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. But when shopping for one, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. So durability is important. The cot is sleek and durable and meets all of the latest standards. It is also reasonably priced, and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas is adept at creating practical and stylish nursery cots furniture, and this cot is no exception. It's a stylish option for your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that will suit any style. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or 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 standard drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors which is a major advantage for parents who are strapped for time. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your newborn close to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress levels which means you can start with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit 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 ideal for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that allows you to reach in easily to feed and change nappies or change a diapers. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.

A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not slide. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover, too since any dirt or soil will be absorbed directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with extra features like gentle rocking motions to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic options, but make sure you purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect for families who would like to use it from birth and have it close to your bed while your 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's also simple to climb up and down, perfect for those nappy changes.

One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it on holiday should you want to. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who need to be able to reach their baby quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.

It can also be converted into a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to transition from the cot. This is a gorgeous cot bed with the Scandi look. It will look great in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled appearance. It's simple to put together and comes with a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its small size makes it a great option for those with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not break like some cot-cribs beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing 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 a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and tilted into four positions with an incline option that aids in reflux.

As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that will last through the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her child had spent the night in the cot with two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her next.

Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around when required. It's a good fit for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot bed sales, too. Testers said it was easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It's not cheap however, it's well worth the cost for its design and function. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for this cot. We recommend choosing an airy, firm and well-fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list, but it's not all about appearances. With two mattress heights this cot will carry your newborn through their first 18 months, and be converted into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Particularly if you select a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the rules that apply to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will keep children from getting their heads stuck. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need the crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as built-in storage drawers and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking to find a high-tech alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock them to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit expensive, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.