Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is a bed for your baby that has high sides to keep them from falling out. There are many styles, from bedside cribs to travel cots.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store spare sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting that can reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best friend. They keep baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. But when shopping for one there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and into toddlerhood, so durability is crucial. This cot is stylish, robust and meets all the latest guidelines. It's also affordable, and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that fit in with any color scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into a cool toddler bed or daybed for long-lasting use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to fit through the majority of doors which is a major advantage for parents who are time-strapped. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep all the essentials for your baby close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot can grow with your baby from birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was given Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for best Moses basket or cot.
The slats on this cot are spaced closer in comparison to other models we have tested and makes it more streamlined and perfect for smaller bedrooms. It also features a handy side door, allowing you to reach in easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Parents were amazed at how easy it was to set up Our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up.
Make sure that the cot bed you choose conform to safety regulations. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Check that the slats of your cot are securely secured to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is important that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Choose mattresses that are coated with latex or pocket springs, which provide the most support and don't sag. It is worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover, too because any dirt will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots come with extra 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 necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are safe and suitable for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for families who intend to use it right from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design fits into standard door frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also simple to get up and down, making it perfect to change nappy.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it from room to room or even take it on holiday 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 a reflux wedge cover and a mattress with a fitted cover that are both beneficial features.
It can also be converted into a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents as it it will last until your child is ready to move on from the cot. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also an excellent value considering the length of time it will be used for.
cot beds for sale is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs just PS372. Our test subjects loved its stylish panelled look. It's easy to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that can be helpful in keeping your baby safe. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone who has a smaller space or with sloped ceilings. Its solid construction also means it can stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to cuddle their infant close before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six month however, many parents find having their child close before bedtime soothing.
This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you'll be able to make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a good option for parents with high ceilings that slope and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. 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 It's also a sturdy design that is built to last the toddler years as well. One parent tester said that her baby slept in this crib for two years and it was in good enough condition to pass on to her youngest.
This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing all your little one's necessities. It's not cheap, but worth the investment for its style and practicality. The cot isn't equipped with an mattress, so you'll have to purchase one separately. We recommend a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to keep your baby from getting trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is one of the sleeker cots on our list however it's not just about appearances. With two height settings for the mattress the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months, and transform into a toddler bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent the baby's head from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to prevent dangers of suffocation. You'll need to buy the cot mattress that fits perfectly and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made from fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.
Although it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers, as well as removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. There are many all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.
If you are seeking a cutting-edge option, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's cry. It gently lulls the baby to sleep in the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost might be a bit high however for parents who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the cost.