Best cots and tots For Newborns

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that attach to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.

The mum tester Jasmin loved the storage compartment in the cot, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set-up and has an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best crib newborn friend, ensuring that the baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. But when shopping for one there's plenty to think about, from specifications and safety to design and style. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent regulations. It is also reasonably priced and comes with a mattress.

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

This cot is a fantastic example of how Mamas&Papas can create stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for your baby's first room and features a modern gray finish that can be matched to any color scheme. It can also be converted into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop side cot. The shaped base allows it to pass through doors of all sizes, which is a great bonus for parents with a tight schedule. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep everything you need 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 levels, so you can begin with a lower base and move down as the baby grows and learns how to sit up on their own. 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 slats of this cot are more spaced in comparison to other models we tested, which makes it more streamlined and ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It comes with a convenient side door that allows you to access the room easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappies. Our tester took just 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When you are choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that conform to safety regulations. To prevent your baby's legs from getting trapped, all cheap cots should have bars that are not more than 6 centimeters apart. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.

It is crucial that your baby has a comfortable cot mattress. Choose pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and don't sag like foams. It's worthwhile to invest in a waterproof cover too, as any soiling will be absorbed directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra features like gentle rocking motions that help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot) and adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy necessities (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great addition, but remember to only buy additional items that fit securely and are suitable for your Baby Crib's.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect for families who intend to use it right from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's compact design fits through standard door frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It is also easy to get up and down, which makes it ideal to change nappy.

One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight build allows you to easily move it between bedrooms or even take it on a trip If you'd like. Its stand-alone design is popular with new parents who want to be able to easily access their newborn during the first few days. It comes with a fitted mattress and a wedge cover for reflux that are both useful 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 for as long as your child will need it. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look stunning in your nursery and it's also a good value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.

Another great alternative is this basic solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer, and adjustable height settings. Its compact dimensions make it a great option for those with low ceilings or small areas. Its sturdy stature also means it will stand the test of time and will not be prone to falling apart like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month but many parents find that having their child close to them before bedtime soothing.

This cot is available in a range of colors and paints that are non-toxic which means it can be matched to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a great choice 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 then can be tilted to four positions with an incline option that helps with reflux.

It's also a sturdy design that will last well into the toddler years. One test-taker said that her baby used the crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

This cot is also small and compact and easy to put together and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller spaces and can be used as a travel cot, too. Testers said it was easy to put together and loved the storage drawer to keep everything your child needs. It's a bit costly but it's an excellent investment because of the design and the functionality. The cot doesn't include an mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to stop your baby from becoming drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about appearances. It's made to last for the first 18 months. It could also be converted into a bed for toddlers by adding a separate toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our tester found it would suit any nursery, especially when you choose a matching changing unit and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you choose, always ensure that it is in compliance with the appropriate requirements for your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) in order to prevent babies from getting their heads trapped. Also the surface shouldn't be rough to avoid suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress that is ideally sized without gaps at the edges and be made from breathable materials that keep your baby's temperature in check.

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

If you're looking to find a high-tech option, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks them to sleep in a motion that replicates their mother's womb. The price may be a bit expensive however for parents with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.