best cot beds Cots for newborns (Www.diggerslist.com)

A cot is a bed for your baby with high sides to stop 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 to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin liked the cot's convenient storage compartment for blankets and sheets. It's also simple to set up and includes an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best baby cots friend, keeping baby safe and (hopefully) sleeping peacefully. However, when you're looking for one, there's a lot to consider, from specs and safety to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. The cot is stylish and robust and is in compliance with all the most recent regulations. It's also priced reasonably and comes with an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas has a knack for designing stylish and practical nursery furniture and this cot is no exception. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that is suitable for any color scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or a toddler bed for long-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your child than a standard drop side cot. And it's constructed with a shaped base, so it fits through many standard doors, which is an absolute benefit for busy parents. The dresser/changer is a perfect match to keep everything you need for your newborn close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby, from birth to about four years old. It has two mattress heights, which means you can begin with a high-height base and then lower as your baby develops and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.

The cot is more compact than other models that we tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It also comes with a convenient side door so you can get in easily for feeding, nappies or changing. Our tester took only 12 minutes to put together the cot.

When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. All cots must have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs don't get caught. Also, check that the slats have been securely fixed to prevent any loose or damaged fastenings.

A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential for your baby's comfort. Look for pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses as they provide the most support and don't shrink like foams. It's 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 come with additional bonuses such as adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage space for the nappy essentials (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a wonderful alternative, but be sure to only purchase additional items that are safe and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you're looking for a bedside crib that you can use from birth and put close to your bed while your baby sleeps, this one might be just what you're seeking. Its compact design can fit through standard door frames, and weighs only 6kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also easy to climb up and down, making it perfect for nappy changing.

One of our mum test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build lets you easily move it between rooms or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. Its design on its own is a hit with many new parents who require to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a cover for the reflux wedge that are both useful features.

It also converts to an infant bed using the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to move on from cot life. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look stunning in your nursery. It's also an excellent value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is a great option. It is suitable for babies to 3 years old and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled design. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. It's small size makes it an ideal option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its sturdy stature also means it can stand the test of time and will not be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib lets parents snuggle their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS recommends that newborns be kept in a separate room for the first six month, but many parents find having their child close to them before bedtime soothing.

This babyletto cot Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot to take up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights and tilted to four different positions. This includes an incline to help with reflux.

It's also a sturdy product that will last into the toddler years. One tester's parent said that her baby slept in the cot for two years and was in good cribs shape to pass it on to her youngest.

This cot is also compact and small, making it easy to assemble and move around. It's an ideal choice 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 that can be used to store everything you need for your baby. It is a bit expensive but it's an excellent purchase due to its design and the functionality. You'll need an additional mattress for this crib. We recommend a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to stop your baby from getting trapped. It should be a few inches shorter than the cot frame to avoid your child being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is among the more stylish cots to tots on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through the first 18 months and can even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless and our testers thought it would fit any nursery. Particularly if you opt for the matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you choose, be sure that it complies with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and your home. The distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) which will stop children's heads from becoming trapped. The surface must be smooth to reduce dangers of suffocation. You'll need the cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It should also be made of breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.

Although it's tempting to purchase 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 carefully considered in light of your budget and lifestyle. The best cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and safely. There are many all-in-one cheap cot beds beds that have lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a modern option, the SNOO crib with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that responds to your baby's cries. It gently rock into an identical way to the womb of their mother. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for babies who are prone to fussiness.