Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds can be a great alternative to traditional cots particularly if you have a smaller nursery. They are made to be used until your child reaches the age of four. They are available in a variety of colors and styles.
The cozy Cot-bed from Boori was a huge hit with our mum testers. It's simple to put together it looks stunning and comes with numerous additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers.
Style & Design
It can be easy to become caught up in the spec and safety features when selecting a cot for your baby, but don't forget the design. You want something that's stylish and will suit your nursery, whether you have a modern or traditional setup.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our best choice in this category because it's a stunning piece that's super-easy to put together and looks great in the room. It is also very sturdy and the only cot we tested we felt would be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars allow for easy cleaning because there are no crevices or nooks where dust could accumulate. The lower base is ideal for babies and, as your baby becomes more active you can lower it even further to keep them from getting out, and the teething rails keep them safe from sharp teeth.
Another gorgeous piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a gorgeous sleigh-style cot that's ideal from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed using an extension kit (sold separately). The three height positions will keep your baby at ease throughout their development, but the arduous assembly process could put off some. It's expensive, but worth the extra investment when you're looking for an elegant design that will last for years to come. Tested by Gemma mother to Boden 13 months old.
Durability
When it comes to buying a mini cot bed, quality is key because it will be a piece of furniture that will last the toddler years too. We have tested a variety of cribs to ensure that they are sturdy and durable. They are built to last. We also looked at design and style, ingenuity features, comfort, conversion, storage, and extra features in order to help you select the best crib cot bed for your family.
We have the ideal cot bed for your nursery decor, whether you're looking for something elegant or contemporary. We've picked a range of styles and finishes to match all tastes and budgets from simple and practical to extravagant and costly. We've tested several convertible cot-beds to ensure you find the best value and use the furniture until your child's toddler age.
This beautiful solid oak cot from Clair de Lune is a double-framed masterpiece that's designed to be much more than just a place to sleep for your baby. The wood is of top quality and was crafted with care to ensure long-lasting and durable. Grace, our MFM tester was able to put it together easily and the packaging was designed to ensure no components were left in the dust. The cot does come with a mattress, but you'll have to purchase it separately.
Innovation
With efficiency in mind, many mini cots come with innovative design features that optimize space and function. Some models have built-in changing stations to make it easier for you to change your baby. This enhances the comfort of both you and your child during the diaper changing process. It is also safer since all the necessary supplies are readily available.
Other designs that are innovative include a crib that has a built-in trundle for extra storage or a cot which folds down into a compact unit. These compact designs work great in homes with limited space or where the nursery also functions as a bedroom. Some models also convert into a sofa, giving an additional level of flexibility and function for your growing child.
In terms of safety, the majority of mini cots are designed to protect your child's health and wellbeing by providing features like side rails that are secure and non-toxic finishes. This will ensure they are safe and secure throughout their first years.
For a modern, stylish cot bed that is a masterpiece of design and safety features, look no further than the Obaby Nika mini cot sets. It's a bit smaller than its full-sized counterpart but doesn't skimp on features, with three mattress positions to accommodate your growing child and even teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to set up and move around the room when completed, and its unique oval design ensures it can easily fit through doors with standard frames, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents.
Comfort
It's easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when laying out your baby's nursery, however comfort is equally important. If your baby is going to be spending many hours in their mini cot bed, they need to be secure and comfortable.
This is particularly crucial when you're thinking of using the mini cot as an alternative to the traditional Moses basket. It is recommended that babies rest next to their parents for the first six months, so a cosy and comfortable cot will ensure they can do that while remaining close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed will be an ideal choice if are looking for a top quality bed for small spaces, however, one that allows your baby to grow and develop into toddlerhood. It's not cheap but it comes with a 1-year warranty and is a great value for money considering that it can be used from birth until the age of toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is a good alternative if you're looking for a cot that has added extras like a handy drawer, teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted. It was simple to put together and Jill was impressed with how it fitted through door frames that are standard. You will need to buy an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are designed to last longer than standard cots, providing your child with the bed they require from birth to toddler years. This is why cots are better than cribs. They also are more affordable since you don't need to buy a brand new bed for your child after they grow out of it.
Some cots or cots can also be adapted to your child. They can be turned into junior beds, or small sofas. Stokke Sleepi, for example can be used up to age 2 with the purchase of an additional mattress extender and junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's easy and looks great in any nursery. However, you'll need a fitted sheet for a cot-bed rather than a crib as the gaps are quite large.
If you're looking for a less complicated option, try the Obaby Nika mini cot bed, suitable from birth to around four years old. It's small and has a modern nursery look with a smooth finish in oak. It comes with three mattress bases for your growing baby, and teething rails to safeguard them.
Explore a variety of modern and stylish cribs beds and cots to create a warm and cozy nursery for your little one at Pram Centre. Our selection includes a range of bespoke designs by leading brands like Mamas & Papas, Obaby and many more. Many have adjustable features that can be changed to meet the needs of your baby's development. You can also purchase various accessories to keep your baby secure and comfortable, like the toddler guard with padding to stop them from falling out, or a ventilated fitted cot mattress to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
Think about a design that can be transformed into an adult bed in the event that you are a potential parent looking for a cot which will last for many years after your child is outgrown it. This will save you money on separate furniture for toddlers, and help your child make the transition from their cot to bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot made by Silver Cross is a fantastic example of a compact bed with storage built-in. You can store extra bedding nappies, cots, and sleepsuits in a neatly arranged manner. This is a great feature to have for your baby's first year when you'll need to change the diapers frequently.
Another option for parents looking for a cot with storage is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. The cot is modern with a 2-tone appearance and is designed to be used from birth up to about four years old. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It also comes with an infant rail. A variety of storage drawers are also available for this model.
If you're shopping for a mini cot, browse the Pram Centre collection to discover our stunning designs. We have a variety of choices from top brands like Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also have a wide selection of nursery furniture that will make your cot look more attractive and create the perfect sleeping environment for your child.