best cots for newborns (the original source)

A cot is a bed for your child with high sides to prevent them from falling out. There are many styles from cribs beds for bed to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline setting that can reduce reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. But when shopping for one there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. A good cot should be able to last through the newborn stage and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. The cot is sleek and durable and meets all the most recent regulations. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is a fantastic illustration of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for baby's first bedroom, with modern grey finishes that match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It has 2 different heights for the base which makes it easier to reach for baby and safer than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also constructed with a shaped base, which means it can be used in 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 in one place.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby from birth until around four years of age. It has two mattress levels that allow you to start with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns how to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best crib, cot or Moses basket, and is a top ranked cribs choice for parents.

The slats on this cot are spaced closer in comparison to other models we looked at and makes it more sleek and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can reach in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Parents were impressed by how easy this cheap cot bed was to put together Our tester took just 12 minutes to get it ready to use.

When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from getting trapped in the cot, it is recommended cribs that all cots have bars that are no more than 6 centimeters apart. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely secured to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Select mattresses made of latex-coated coir or pocket springs, which provide the best support and don't sag. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover too, as any soiling will get into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some cots are also equipped with additional features that include gentle rocking motions that aid in settling your baby cots on sale (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful alternative, but be sure to only purchase items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal if you would like to use it from birth and keep it in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through doors with standard frames, and it weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also easy to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.

One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it between rooms or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who need to have access to their infant quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux and a wedge cover, both of which are beneficial features.

The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is great for parents because it will last for as long as your child needs it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also good value for money when you consider the length of time it will be used for.

Another great option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our testers loved its stylish paneled design. It's easy to put together and comes with a teething rail, storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small dimensions make it a great option for those with low ceilings or small space. Its solid construction will also ensure it stands the test of time and will not be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to snuggle up their baby close to them just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first 6 months but many parents find that having their child close to them before bedtime calming.

This cot from Babyletto is made with non-toxic paint that comes in a broad range of colors, so you can blend it into your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot to take up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into four positions, including an incline that aids in reflux.

It's also a solidly built design that will last into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby had been sleeping in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good condition to pass it on to her youngest.

This cot is also small and small and easy to put together and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that held everything essential for your baby. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the cost due to the design and functionality. You'll need a mattress separately for this crib. We recommend choosing a firm, breathable and a snugly-fitting mattress to prevent your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most stylish models, but it's not only about looks. With two mattress heights this cot will carry your newborn through their first 18 months and can transform into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our tester found it would look great in any nursery, especially when you choose an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter what kind of cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable standards for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) that will keep babies' heads from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, which should fit perfectly without gaps at the edges and be made of breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features, such as drawers for storage built-in and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and securely. There are all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that won't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a high tech option for your baby, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper includes a built-in sensor that responds your baby's crying. It gently rocks them into sleep in the same way as their mother's womb. The price is high, but it might be worth the investment for fussy sleepers.