Mini Cot Beds
If you're putting together an area that is smaller or need a different option to a traditional cot, mini cot beds are a great option. They're designed to last until your child is four years old. They are available in a variety of colours and styles.
The cozy cot sale-bed from Boori was a huge hit with our mom testers. It's easy to assemble, looks stunning and comes with a variety of extra features including teething rails, storage drawers and is stylish.
Style and Design
When you are choosing a cot for your baby it's easy to get caught up on the safety and specifications features. But don't overlook the style. You want a cot that is elegant and blends into your nursery, regardless whether it's a traditional or modern configuration.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our top rated cots choice in this category since it's a gorgeous piece that's also super-easy to build and looks stunning in the room. It's also extremely sturdy and the only cot we tested we felt would stand the test time. The narrow bars ensure that there are no nooks and crevices to collect dust in, making cleaning as simple as possible. As your baby grows, you can lower the base further to prevent them from climbing out. The teething rails will guard them from sharp teeth.
Another gorgeous piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a stunning sleigh-style cot which is suitable from birth and can be transformed into a bed for toddlers using an extension kit (sold separately). The three different heights will keep your baby at ease throughout their development, however the time-consuming assembly process may turn off some. It's also costly however it is worth it if you want a timeless design which will last for many years. Gemma is the mother of Boden, aged 13 months.
Durability
When purchasing a mini-cot it is essential to consider the quality because this piece of furniture will last well into the toddlerhood. We have tested a wide selection of cot beds to ensure that they offer the highest quality of durability and are built to last. We have also looked at design and style, the latest innovations, comfort and convertability and storage and extra features to assist you in making the best choice for your family.
Whether you are seeking a stylish option or more modern flair, we have uncovered the top cot beds to suit your nursery decor. We've picked a range of styles and finishes that will suit all tastes and budgets. From simple and practical, to lavish and expensive. We've tested a variety of convertible cot-beds to ensure you get the most value for money and use this furniture into your child's toddler years.
We love this elegant solid oak cot by Clair de Lune, which is a double-framed masterpiece designed to be more than just a place for your child to sleep. The wood is of the highest quality and is precisely crafted to ensure longevity and durability. Our MFM test subject Grace found it easy to put together, and the packaging was carefully designed so that there were no leftover parts. This cot does come with a mattress, however you will have to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Many mini cots have been designed with efficiency in mind. They feature innovative design elements that maximise space and function. Some models include built-in changing stations to facilitate your ability to change your baby. This enhances the comfort of both of you and your child during the diaper-changing process. It also makes it safer because all the essential items are easily accessible.
Other unique designs include a crib that has an integrated trundle to provide additional storage or a cot which folds down into a compact unit. These compact designs are ideal for homes with tight spaces or where the nursery can double as a bedroom. Some models can be transformed into a sofa to give your child more flexibility.
Most mini cots are designed with safety in mind. They are equipped with features like safety rails on the sides, non-toxic finishes and more. This ensures they remain secure and comfortable throughout their early years.
For a premium, modern-looking crib bed with a stunning design and safety features, look no further than the Obaby Nika mini cot. It's a bit more compact than its full-sized counterpart but doesn't skimp on the functionality, offering three mattress bases to accommodate your growing child and even teething rails. Moreover, our reviewer found it was easy to assemble and move around the room once complete, while its unique oval design ensures it is able to fit into doors that have standard frames, an important benefit for busy parents.
Comfort
It is easy to become caught up in the details of spec and safety features when laying out your baby's nursery, but comfort is also key. If your little one will spend much of their time in their mini cot bed it is essential that they are safe and comfortable.
It's crucial to consider this when you're thinking of using a Moses basket to replace it. It is recommended that babies should be with their parents for the first six months. A cosy, comfortable crib can allow them to do this while being close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a great choice if you're seeking a high-end cot that fits in a small space but will still give ample space for your baby to grow into toddlerhood. It's not cheap but it comes with a one-year warranty and provides a good value for money considering you can use it right up until toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if you are looking for a cot with additional features such as teething bars, a drawer and two adjustable positions. Our tester Jill found it a doddle to put together and she was impressed by the way it fit through standard door frames. You'll need to purchase an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds will last longer than cribs that are standard and give your child a bed from birth to toddlerhood. This longevity makes cot beds more popular choice than cribs and can be a cost-effective investment since you won't have to buy a new baby bed for your child once they grow out of it.
Some cots and cot beds (image source) 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 with the purchase of a junior conversion kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It's easy and looks great in any nursery. However, you'll require a fitted sheet to make a cot-bed rather than a crib since the gaps are quite wide.
For a simpler alternative, consider the Obaby Nika mini cot bed, suitable from birth to around four years old. It is compact and has a contemporary nursery design with a textured finish in oak. It comes with three mattress base positions to suit your growing baby, as well as teething rails to protect your baby.
At Pram Centre, you'll find various modern and stylish cots to create a comfortable nursery for your child. Our selection includes a range of custom designs from top brands such as Mamas & Papas, Obaby and a host of others. Many of them come with adjustable features that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's needs. You can also pick up various accessories to help keep your baby safe and comfortable, including a padded toddler guard to keep them from falling out, or a breathable fitted cot mattress to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a parent-to-be shopping for a cot that will last for a long time after your little one has outgrown it, think about getting an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will save you money on buying separate toddler furniture and will help your child move smoothly from sleeping in their cot to a bed.
The Katie mini sleigh cot bed from Silver Cross is an example of a cot that is compact and has built-in storage. This lets you keep extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits neatly organised. This is an important feature to have for your baby's first few months, as you'll need to change them often.
Another option for parents looking for a cot with storage is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. This cot is made for use from birth to around four years old. It comes with a two-tone design. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel and includes a toddler rail. A range of under-cot storage drawers are also available for this model.
Explore the Pram Center's collection of mini cot beds to see our stunning designs. We have options from leading brands such as Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to fit the needs of every nursery. We also have a broad selection of nursery furniture that can make your cot look more attractive and create the perfect sleeping environment for your child.