Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) 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 has an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a crib, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good cot has to last through the newborn stage and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also affordable, and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing stylish and practical nursery furniture, and this cot is not an exception. It's a contemporary choice for a baby's first room, with a modern grey finish that'll suit any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It has 2 different base height positions too, making it easier to reach for baby and safer than a standard drop-side cot. And it's built with a shaped base which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. It even comes with a dresser and change table to keep all your baby's necessities close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high base and then lower as your little one grows and learns to sit up unaided. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best sale cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

The slats on this cot are more spaced together than some of the other models we tested, which makes it more compact and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best crib for newborn support and don't shrink like foams. It is important to invest in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will go directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots are also equipped with extra bonuses like gentle rocking movements to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only purchase additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for those who would like to use it from the beginning and place it near your bed as baby sleeps. It has a compact design that can easily fit through doors with standard frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to climb up and down, making it the perfect choice to change nappy.

It's light and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms or even during a trip. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who want to have access to their infant easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a padded 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 because it will last for as long as your child will need it. This is a gorgeous crib bed with a Scandi look. It will look stunning in your nursery.

Another option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It's simple to put together and has an excellent storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your newborn safe. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its sturdy build means that it will last for many years and will not break like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib for bed is ideal for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room 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 variety of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful and appealing, it's a durable design that should last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her child had slept in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her younger.

This cot is also small cot beds and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a great option for parents with a limited space and could also serve as a portable cot. It was easy to assemble and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold everything your baby needs. It's not cheap cot bed however, it's well worth the cost for its design and function. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for this crib. We suggest an airy, firm and snugly fitting mattress to keep your child from getting suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery - especially in the event that you decide to purchase a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter which cot you choose, make sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid suffocation risks. You'll need to buy an cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of air-tight materials to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

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 and Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are simply designed for 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 lot.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rock their body to sleep in a way that resembles the womb of their mother. The price may be a bit steep, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.