Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds are an excellent alternative to traditional cots, particularly if you have a smaller nursery. They're designed to last up until your child is four years old. They are available in a range of colors and styles.
The comfy bed from Boori was a huge hit with our mum testers. It's easy to assemble it looks stunning and comes with numerous additional features, such as teething rails and a storage drawer.
Style and Design
When you are choosing a cot for your baby, it's easy to get swept up on the safety and specifications features. However, don't forget about the style. You want something that is elegant and will look good in your nursery, whether you have a traditional or modern setup.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our top pick in this category as it's an exquisite piece that's also super-easy to put together and looks great in the room. It's also very durable and the only cot we tested that we believed would be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars make it easy to clean, as there are no places where dust can accumulate. The base that is lower is great for infants. As your baby gets more active, you can lower it even further to keep them from getting out, and the teething rails keep them safe from their sharp teeth.
Another beautiful piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a beautiful sleigh-style cot that's suitable from birth and can be converted into a bed for toddlers using an extension kit (sold separately). The three different heights will keep your child comfortable as they grow up, but the fiddly assembling process may put some people off. It's also costly, but it's worth the extra cost when you're looking for a timeless design that will last for many years to come. Tested by Gemma mother to Boden, 13 months.
Durability
When you are looking to purchase a mini cot bed, quality is key because it will be an item of furniture that will last the toddler years too. We have tested many cot beds in order to ensure they are durable and built to last. We also have looked at the design and style, as well as innovative technology, comfort and conversion and storage, as well as other features to assist you in making the best choice for your family.
If you're seeking a stylish solution or something with a more modern twist we have found the best crib for newborn cot beds to suit your nursery's decor. We've picked a range of styles and finishes that can meet all budgets and tastes. From basic and practical, to lavish and expensive. We've even tested a few convertible cot beds so that you can get great value for money and use this piece of furniture well into the toddler years of your child.
This beautiful solid oak cot from Clair de Lune is double-framed masterpiece designed to be much more than just a place for your baby to sleep for your child. The wood is of the highest quality and has been crafted precisely to ensure durability and longevity. Grace the MFM tester found the assembly to be easy and the packaging was designed to ensure that no parts were left behind. It's important to note that this cot doesn't come with a mattress and you will need to purchase a mattress separately.
Innovation
Many mini cots have been designed with efficiency in mind. They feature innovative design elements that maximise the space and efficiency. For example, some models come with a built-in diaper changing station that makes it easier to change your baby. This helps to improve the comfort of both you and your baby when changing diapers and also makes it safer by keeping all the necessary items within reach.
Other unique designs include a crib with an integrated trundle to provide additional storage or a cot which folds into a small unit. These compact designs work great in homes with a limited space, or where the nursery also functions as an additional bedroom. Some models can also convert into a sofa, providing even more flexibility and function for your growing child.
Mini cots are generally designed with safety in mind. They have features like safe side rails, non-toxic finishes and more. This will ensure they are safe and secure in their early years.
If you're looking for a stylish, modern crib bed with a stunning design and safety features, look no further than the Obaby Nika mini cot. This cot is a little smaller than its full-sized counterpart but doesn't skimp on the functionality, offering three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby, and even teething rails. Moreover, our reviewer found it was easy to assemble and move around the room when it was assembled. Its unique oval design means it can easily fit through standard door frames, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents.
Comfort
It's easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when kitting out your baby's nursery, but comfort is also key. If your child is going to spend a lot of time in their mini cot bed and crib, they must be comfortable and safe.
This is especially important in the event that you're considering a mini cot as an alternative to a Moses basket. It is recommended that babies should be with their parents for the first six months. A cozy, comfortable crib can allow them to do this while still being close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a ideal choice if you're looking for a top cot for smaller spaces that will still provide plenty of room for your baby to develop into a toddler. It's not cheap baby cots for sale but it comes with a 1 year warranty and provides a good value for money since it can be used right up until toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is a good alternative when you're looking for a cot that comes with extras like a handy drawer, teething rails and two height settings that can be adjusted. It was simple to put together and Jill was impressed with how it fitted through standard door frames. You'll need to purchase an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds last longer than cribs that are standard and give your child an appropriate bed from birth until toddlerhood. This makes cot beds a more popular option than a crib and is a cost-effective investment as you won't need to buy a brand new bed for your child once they grow out of it.
Some cots and cot beds are designed to grow with your child, and transform into junior beds or small sofa beds. The Stokke Sleepi for example can be used from age 2 and beyond by purchasing an upgrade kit for juniors and a mattress extender (sold separately). It's simple and looks great in any nursery. However, you will require a fitted sheet for an cot-bed instead of a crib since the gaps are quite big.
If you're looking for a less complicated option, you can opt for the Obaby Nika mini cot bed suitable from birth until around four years old. It's compact and provides an elegant look for your nursery with a wood-textured finish. It includes three mattress bases to fit your growing baby, as well as teething rails to protect your baby.
At Pram Centre, you'll find a variety of modern and stylish cots to create a cozy nursery for your child. Our collection includes a range of unique designs from top rated cots brands such as Mamas & Papas and Obaby, including many with adjustable features to change as your baby grows. You can also purchase extras to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe, like a padded guard for toddlers to keep them from falling out of the crib or a fitted cot mattress with breathable material to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
Look into a model that can be converted into an adult bed if you are a future parent looking for a cot that can last for many years after your child has outgrown it. This will help you save money on separate furniture for toddlers and aid your child in making the transition from crib to a bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot from Silver Cross is a great illustration of a small bed with storage built-in. You can store extra bedding nappies, cots, and sleepsuits in a neatly laid out way. This is an excellent feature to have during the early years of your baby's life when you will need to change them often.
Another great alternative for parents who want an option with storage for their cot sets is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. It is designed for use from birth to about four years of age. It has a 2-tone appearance. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off a side panel. It also comes with a toddler rail. A variety of storage drawers are also available for this model.
If you're looking for a mini cot bed look through the Pram Centre collection to discover the stunning designs available. We have options from top brands including Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to suit every nursery. We also stock a range of nursery furniture to complement your cot bed and create the ideal sleep space for your baby.