A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to keep them from falling out. There are a variety of styles including bedside cribs to travel cots.
The mother tester Jasmin loved the cot's storage compartment, which is ideal for blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a new parent's best cot newborn friend. They keep baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. However, when you're looking for one there's plenty to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot should last from birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. The cot is stylish and sturdy, and it meets all the most recent guidelines. It's also affordable and includes an extra mattress.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months
This cot is a great example of how Mamas&Papas can design stylish and practical nursery furniture. It's a stylish choice for the baby's first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that will suit any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a traditional drop-side cot. It's shaped base allows it to pass through most standard doors and is a huge benefit for parents who are strapped for time. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your newborn close in your arms.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It comes with two mattress heights so you can start with a high-height base and move down as your baby grows and begins to sit up unaided. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket, cot or crib.
This cot is more streamlined than other models we tested. It's also great for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that allows you to get in easily to feed or change nappies, or change the nappy. Our tester only took 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. To keep your baby's legs from becoming trapped in the cot, it is recommended that all cheap cots have bars that are not more than 6cm apart. Also, ensure that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.
It is important that your baby has a mattress that is comfortable for their cot. Look for pocket springs or latex coated Coir mattresses as they offer the best support and won't slide like foams. You should also purchase a waterproof mattress cover, because any dirt that gets into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.
Some cots also come with extra features that include gentle rocking motions to help settle your baby (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux and storage for the nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful addition, but remember to only purchase additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby's.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you want a crib for your bed that can be used from birth and place close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this one might be what you're seeking. It's a small design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and go down, which makes it ideal for nappy changing.
One of our mum test participants described it as “exceedingly simple to put together.” Its light-weight construction allows you to easily move it from room to room or even take it on a trip if you wish. Its standalone design is a hit with many new parents who require to access their newborn quickly in the beginning stages of parenting. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress that is fitted, which are both useful features.
It can also be converted to a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also good value for money considering the length of time it will be used for.
This solid pine cot is also an excellent choice. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 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 height settings that are adjustable. They can be helpful in keeping your newborn safe. Its small size makes it an ideal choice for those with low ceilings or small spaces. Its robust build also means it will stand the test of time and won't be prone to falling apart as some cot beds are.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who wish to snuggle their baby up close to them prior to bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be kept in a separate bedroom for the first six month, but many parents find that having their child near them prior to bedtime relaxing.
This crib from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you can make it a part of your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings who don't want a cot taking up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/756/graco-sweet2sleep-bedside-bassinet-crib-keeping-baby-close-to-you-with-easy-access-side-rail-11-height-adjustments-4-tilt-positions-and-with-carrybag-oatmeal-fashion-756.jpg)It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One parent tester stated that her child was in the cot for two babies and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
Another benefit is that the cot is small and compact, which makes it easy to set up and move around if required. It's a great choice for parents with little space. It can also function as portable cot. Testers found it easy to assemble and loved the storage drawer to keep all your little one's necessities. It's not cheap baby cots but it's worth it for the look and functionality. This cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to buy one separately. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that is snug to keep your baby from getting trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot 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 looks. With two mattress heights, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months. It can even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic, and our testers found it would suit any nursery, particularly when you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what kind of cot you select, ensure that it complies with relevant regulations for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies' heads from getting trapped, and the surface should be smooth to avoid dangers of suffocation. You'll also have to purchase the right cot mattress that is ideally sized with no gaps around the edges and be made from breathable materials to ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.
It's tempting, but you should be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features like built-in storage or removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas and Papas Lua Cot). The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. There are all-in-one cots with plenty of storage that don't cost a lot.
If you're looking for a high tech option for your baby, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that responds to your baby's crying. It gently rocks them into sleep in the same way as the womb of their mother. The cost may be a bit high, but for those who have a difficult time sleeping, it could be worth the investment.