Everything You Need To Know About Best Cots For Newborns

Everything You Need To Know About Best Cots For Newborns

Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to stop 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 for safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.

The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage compartment which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It's also simple 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 safe and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are many aspects to consider. From safety and spec to design and design. And a good cot needs to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is key. This crib is stylish, durable and is in compliance with the most current standards. It's also priced reasonably and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months


Mamas&Papas has a knack for creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this crib is no exception. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It comes with two different heights of the base making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through doors of all sizes which is a major bonus for parents who are strapped for time. There's even a matching dresser and change table to keep all your baby's necessities in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This crib is designed to support your baby from newborn up to about four years old. It has two levels of mattress, so you can begin with a lower base and then lower it as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best crib, cot or Moses basket and is a top choice for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than the other models we have tested. It's also suitable for smaller rooms.  mini cotbed  has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Parents were amazed at how easy this cot was to set up, with our tester taking only 12 minutes to get it set up and ready for use.

Look for cot beds that meet safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Also, ensure that the slats are securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.

A quality mattress for a cot is also essential for the comfort of your baby. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and do not sag. You should also invest in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots have extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as 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.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you want to use it from the beginning and place it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's a compact design that easily fits into door frames that are standard and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down it, which is ideal for those diaper changes.

It's light and portable, meaning you can move it easily between rooms or even during a trip. Its standalone design is popular with new parents who need to be able to reach their baby quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover, 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 as it will last as long as your child requires it. This is a beautiful crib bed with the Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It is easy to assemble and includes a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for many years and will not break like some cot-beds.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them before bedtime. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child before going to bed.

The cot comes in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights and can be 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 is built to last the toddler years as well. One test-taker stated that her child used the cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

Another benefit is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around if required. It's an ideal choice 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 for storing everything your child needs. It is a bit expensive however it's a worthwhile cost due to the design and function. You'll need a mattress for this cot. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to keep your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not only about looks. With two height settings for the mattress, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months, and transform 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 opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter what kind of cot you pick, ensure that it is in compliance with the relevant requirements for your baby's age and your home. The bars' spacing should not be more than 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop infants from snagging their heads. Also the surface should not be rough to avoid being suffocated. You'll need to buy a mattress for your cot that is perfect, with 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 extra features like built-in storage drawers, as well as removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to rest comfortably and securely. You can find all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cries and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit expensive however for parents with children who are fussy, it could be worth the investment.