Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling out. There are many styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin appreciated the storage compartment in the cot that is perfect for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. small cot beds &Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent's best friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When shopping for a, there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot has to last through the infant stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is key. This crib is stylish, durable and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and includes a mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop side cot. It's also built with a shaped base, that means it can fit through many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's even a matching dresser and change table to keep your baby's essentials close by.
2. small cot beds Bed
The cot will expand with your baby from birth until around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights so you can begin with a higher base and then move down as your child grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket, cot or crib.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer apart than other models we looked at This makes it more streamlined and suitable for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cots have bars that are no more than 6cm apart. Also, check that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is essential that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose mattresses with latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which offer the best support and don't sag. It is also recommended to purchase an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots come with additional features like gentle rocking movements to aid in settling your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great additions, but only purchase items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for an infant crib that can be used from birth and keep near your bed while baby sleeps, this one could be the one you're searching for. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also a breeze to get up and down from it, which is ideal for changing nappy.
One of our mom test participants 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 a trip If you'd like. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their infant in the early stages. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a wedge cover for reflux and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents because it will last as long as your child will need it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired styles that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also good value for money when you consider the length of time it will be used for.
Another alternative is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its elegant panelled design. It's simple to put together and has a handy storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its compact dimensions make it a great option for people with low ceilings or small space. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This bedside crib is perfect for parents who wish to wrap their child close before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first 6 months however, many parents find having their child close before bedtime soothing.
The cot comes in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be customized to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great option for parents with sloped ceilings 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 positions and includes an incline that helps 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 parent tester stated that her baby slept in the cot for two years and was in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.
Another benefit is that this cot is tiny and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around as needed. It's a great choice for parents with a little space. It can also function as portable cot. It was easy to assemble and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It's not cheap, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with an mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for an airy, firm mattress that is snug to keep your baby from getting drowned. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to ensure that your child is not capable of climbing out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino crib is among our most elegant models, but it's not just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress the cot can see your baby through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The style is stylish and timeless, and our tester thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you opt for a matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will prevent children from snagging their heads. Additionally most recommended cribs be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need to purchase a cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of air-tight materials to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but you should carefully consider your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage, as well as removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed for your baby to rest comfortably and safely and often find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor which responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a way that replicates their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for fussy sleepers.