Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that prevents them from falling off. There are numerous styles available from cribs for bed to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline setting that can 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 a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest standards. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that can be matched to any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed 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. It's shaped base allows it to pass through the majority of doors and is a huge benefit for parents who are strapped for time. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep the essentials for your newborn close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to around four years of age. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a high base and then lower as your child develops and learns to sit up unaided. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket, cot or crib.
This cot is more sleek than other models that we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. cots to tots has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were impressed by how easy this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up.
Find cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, check that the slats are securely fixed to avoid any loose or rusty fastenings.
A high-quality mattress for your cot is essential for your baby's comfort. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which offer the best support and don't sag. You should also consider investing in a waterproof mattress cover, as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great options, but make sure you purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is perfect for families who want to use it from birth and have it close to your bed while your baby sleeps. It's a compact design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mom testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on vacation If you'd like. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents since it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful cot bed that has a Scandi style. It will look stunning in your nursery.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for children ranging from birth to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek panelled appearance. It's simple to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it an ideal choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its robust construction means it will last for a long time and not break like some cribs.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who want to cuddle their infant close before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it soothing to have their child close prior to putting them to sleep.
This cot is available in a range of colors and non-toxic paints and can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions with an incline option that aids in reflux.
While it's attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years as well. 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 younger.
Another plus is that the cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to build and move around if needed. It's an ideal fit for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's a bit costly, but it's worth the purchase due to its design and the functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this cot. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to prevent your baby from getting trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the cot frame to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. This cot is made to last for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional 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 the matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot is chosen, make sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent infants from getting their heads trapped. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need to buy an crib mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.
While it's tempting to buy a cot with extra features like 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 lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. There are many all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.
If you are looking for a high tech alternative, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cry. It gently rocks the baby to sleep in an identical way to the mother's womb. The cost may be a bit steep however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the cost.