Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling off. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside recommended cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to your side of the bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage compartment which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and comes with an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is key. The cot is stylish and sturdy and meets all of the latest standards. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.

Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months has tested the product.

This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that is suitable for any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two different heights for the base which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. The shaped base allows it to fit through the majority of doors, which is a great bonus for parents with a tight schedule. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your newborn close to hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot is designed to follow your baby from birth to around four years old. It has two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high-height base and move down as your little one grows and learns to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

The cot is more compact than the other models we tested. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that allows you to get in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that are safe. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A good quality mattress for your cot is 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 sag like foams. It's worthwhile 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 additional features, such as gentle rocking motions thatn the bed allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, but many parents find it soothing to be able to hold their child prior to putting them to sleep.

This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings and do not want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights tots and cots can be can be tilted to four positions and includes an incline that aids in reflux.

It's also a sturdy design that will last well into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her baby been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.

This cot is also small and small which makes it easy to put together and move around. It's an ideal fit for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to assemble, and testers loved the storage drawer, which held everything essential for your baby. It's a bit pricey but it's worth it for the look and functionality. The cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to keep your child from being suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish models, but it's not only about looks. The cot is designed to last your newborn for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers by incorporating an additional toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless, and our tester thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you select an accompanying changing table and wardrobe.

No matter which cot you choose, make sure it meets the rules that apply to your baby's age and home. The spacing between bars shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will prevent babies from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface shouldn't be rough in order to avoid being suffocated. You'll need to buy an mattress for your cot that is perfect without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of fabrics that are breathable to regulate your baby's body temperature.

It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle prior to buying a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage, as well as side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a modern option, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rock into the same way as their mother's womb. The cost is a bit high, but it might be worth it for sleepers who are fussy.