Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling out. They come in a range of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and includes an incline option to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When shopping for a crib, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. From safety and specifications to design and design. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and is in compliance with the most current regulations. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that is suitable for any style. It can also be converted into a cool toddler bed or a day bed for long-lasting use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a traditional drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through most standard doors, which is a great bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep all your newborn essentials close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to about four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, so you can start with a high-height base and move down as your baby grows and learns to sit up unaided. 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.

The slats of this cot are spaced closer in comparison to other models we looked at This makes it more compact and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door that lets you access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at the ease with which this cot was to put together, with our tester taking just 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.

Look for cot beds that comply with safety standards. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped the cot should have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats are firmly secured to prevent any loose or loose fastenings.

A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential for the comfort of your baby. Look for pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover as well since any dirt or soil will be absorbed directly into the mattress and make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

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

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect for families who want to use it from birth and have it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it easy to move about your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down the top ranked cribs, making it ideal for those diaper changes.

One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its light-weight construction means you can 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 easily access their newborn in the beginning stages of their child's development. It also comes with the cover for a reflux wedge and a fitted mattress, which are both useful features.

It can also be converted to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it means it will last until your child is ready to transition from cot life. This is a beautiful cot bed that has an Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its elegant panelled design. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its sturdy build means that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child close prior to putting them to sleep.

The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints, so it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope 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, including an incline that aids in reflux.

While it's attractive, it's a solid design that is built to last the toddler years too. One parent tester stated that her child had spent the night in the cot with 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her younger.

This cot is also compact and compact, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a great choice for parents with little space. It could also serve as an cot that can be moved around. It was simple to put together, and testers loved the storage drawer that held everything your baby needs. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the purchase due to its design and the functionality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to keep your child from being suffocated. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list, but it's not all about looks. This cot is designed to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a bed for toddlers by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our test subject believed it would work in any nursery. Particularly if you select the matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what type of small cot beds you choose, be sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent children from getting their heads stuck. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to prevent the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly with no gaps at the edges. It should also be constructed from breathable materials that 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 removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The most ideal cots 4 tots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in-one cots with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The price may be a bit steep, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.