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 cribs that attach to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping) 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 includes an incline setting to reduce reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are a parent’s best friend, keeping baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. But when shopping for one, there’s a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is key. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest guidelines. It’s also reasonably priced and includes a mattress.
Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months, 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 baby’s first bedroom and features a modern gray finish that will suit any style. It can also be converted into a cool day bed or toddler bed for long-term use. It comes with two heights for the base which makes it easier to reach baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It’s also constructed with a shaped base that means it can fit through most standard doorways, a real bonus for time-stretched parents. It even comes with a dresser/changer that will keep your baby’s essentials close by.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This crib is designed to support your baby from the time of birth to about 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 to sit up on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top rated cots choice for parents.
The slats on this cot are more spaced apart than other models we tested and makes it more compact and ideal for smaller bedrooms. It also has a handy side door that lets you get in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.
When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that are safe. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure that your baby’s limbs don’t get caught. Also, check that the slats have been securely secured to prevent any loose or rusty fastenings.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Choose pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they provide the most recommended cribs support and don’t sag like foams. It is worth investing 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 include additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
This crib is ideal for those who want to use it from birth and have it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors that have standard frames, and it weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move around your home. It’s also simple to get up and down, making it perfect for nappy changing.
It’s light and portable, which means you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its standalone design is a favorite among new parents who want to easily access their infant cot bed during the first few days. It comes with a padded mattress and a wedge cover for reflux, both of which are beneficial features.
The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed, which is a great option for parents since it will last as long as your child will need it. This is a beautiful cot bed with an Scandi look. It will look fantastic in your nursery cots.
This solid pine cot is an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant panelled appearance. It’s simple to assemble and comes with teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size makes it a great option for those with low ceilings or small space. Its robust construction means it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cot-beds.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib in the bed allows parents to cuddle their baby close to them just before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first six month but many parents find their child close to them before bedtime soothing.
This crib from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast range of colors, so you can blend it into your nursery or bedroom decor. It’s also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope who do not want a cot that takes up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then tilted into 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 too. One test-taker told us that her baby slept in this crib for two months and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
This cot is also compact and small and easy to assemble and move around. It’s a great choice for parents with limited space. It could also serve as a portable cot. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It’s not cheap, but worth the investment for the look and functionality. You’ll need a mattress for this crib. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that fits snugly to prevent your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the sleeker cots on our list however, it’s not all about looks. The cot is made to last for the first 18 months. It can also be converted to a toddler’s bed by adding an additional toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
Whatever cot bed sales you pick, ensure that it is in compliance with the applicable regulations for your baby’s age and your home. The bars’ spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop babies’ heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to prevent suffocation risks. You’ll need the crib mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made from breathable materials in order to regulate your baby’s body temperature.
While it’s tempting to purchase a cot with additional features, such as drawers for storage built-in and side panels that can be removed from the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot) These should be carefully considered in the light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most suitable cots allow your child to sleep comfortably and in a safe environment. You can find all-in one cot beds with plenty of storage that don’t cost a lot.
If you’re looking for a cutting-edge alternative for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib has an inbuilt sensor that responds to your baby’s crying and gently rocks them to sleep in a motion that mimics their mother’s womb. The cost is a bit steep, but it could be worth it for fussy sleepers.