Best cots and tots For Newborns

A cot is an elevated bed for your child, which prevents them from falling out. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

The mom tester Jasmin appreciated the cot's storage compartment which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set-up and comes with an inclined design to ease reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are the best friend of parents. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When shopping for a there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. The cot is stylish and sturdy and is in compliance with all the most recent standards. It's also affordable, and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish option for the baby's first bedroom with a contemporary gray finish that can be matched to any colour scheme. It can also be converted into a stylish toddler bed or a day bed for long-lasting use. It comes with two different base height positions too making it easier for babies to reach and safer than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through the majority of doors, which is a great benefit for parents who are time-strapped. It comes with a dresser and changer to keep everything you need for your newborn close in your arms.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights, which means you can start with a high-height base and move down as your little one grows and learns to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than other models that we have tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door, allowing you to access it easily for feeding, nappies and changing. Our tester only took 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When selecting a cot be sure to choose one that meet safety standards. All cots should have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Make sure that the slats of your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or fittings that are rusty.

A good cribs quality mattress for a cot is also essential to ensure your baby's comfort. Look for pocket springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. You should also invest in an waterproof mattress cover because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots come with additional features, such as gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to help ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe 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 in your bedroom while your baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down, making it the perfect choice for nappy changing.

One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly easy to put together." Its light-weight construction means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. Its standalone design is popular with new parents who require to have access to their infant easily during the first few months of parenting. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a mattress that is fitted and a mattress, both of which are useful features.

The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to convert into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents because it will last for as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful crib bed with the Scandi style. It will look great in your nursery.

This solid pine cot is an excellent choice. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old, and costs just PS372. Our testers loved its stylish panelled look. It is easy to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact size makes it a great option for those who have sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not fall apart like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to wrap their child close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six months but many parents find that having their child near them before bedtime calming.

This cot from Babyletto is made of non-toxic paint that comes in a broad variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to match it to the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a great option for parents who have 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 in four positions and includes an incline which aids in reflux.

As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that should last through the toddler years as well. One parent tester stated that her baby had slept in the cot for 2 babies and was still in good shape to pass it on to her youngest.

This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to set up and move around. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and cribs can be used as a travel cot too. Testers found it a dream to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's not cheap however, it's well worth the cost for its style and practicality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately. We suggest settling for an airy, firm mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our sleekest models, but it's not only about appearances. This cot is made to last for the first 18 months. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed by incorporating a separate toddler kit. The design is elegant and timeless and our test subject found it to be a perfect fit for any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.

No matter which cot is chosen, make sure it meets the regulations applicable to your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to stop babies from getting their heads stuck. Additionally the surface should not be rough to prevent suffocation. You'll need to buy a mattress for your cot that is perfect and has no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to keep your Baby Cot Bed's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features like built-in storage, as well as removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are simply designed for your baby to sleep safely and comfortably and you can usually find all-in-one cribs that offer plenty of storage without costing a fortune.

If you're looking for Cribs a cutting-edge alternative then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks them to sleep in a manner that mimics their mother's womb. The cost may be a bit steep however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.