Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds are an ideal alternative to traditional cots especially in the case of smaller children's rooms. These beds are designed to be used until your child reaches the age of four and are available in a variety of colors and styles.
Our mum testers were enthralled by this cozy crib bed from Boori. It's simple to put together, looks beautiful and has numerous additional features, such as teething rails as well as an storage drawer.
Style and Design
When choosing a cot for your baby it's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features. But don't forget the design. You want something that is stylish and will suit your nursery, whether you have a modern or traditional setup.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed, our top ranked cribs pick for this category, is a gorgeous piece that's easy to build and looks stunning in any room. It is also very sturdy and the only cot we tried that we felt could be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars mean there aren't any nooks or crevices for dust to accumulate in, making cleaning as simple as possible. As your baby grows and gets bigger, you can lower the base to keep them from climbing out. The teething rails protect them from their sharp teeth.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is another stunning piece. It's a stunning sleigh style cot that can be used from birth. An extension kit, sold separately, allows it to be converted into a toddler bed. The three height positions keep your child content as they grow up, but the fiddly assembling process may make some people hesitant. It's also expensive but worth the extra cost if you're looking for a timeless design that will last for many years to come. Tested by: Gemma mother to Boden 13 months old.
Durability
When you are buying a mini-cot, the quality is important since this piece of furniture will last well into the age of toddlerhood. We have tested a wide selection of cot beds to ensure that they have the highest quality of durability and are built to last. We also have looked at design and style, innovative technology, comfort and conversion and storage as well as additional features to assist you in making the best choice for your family.
We have the perfect crib bed for your nursery whether you're looking for something elegant or contemporary. We have selected a variety of styles and finishes to match all tastes and budgets, from simple and practical to extravagant and expensive. We've even looked at a variety of convertible cot beds so you can get the Best cot for newborn value for money and utilize this piece of furniture well into your child's toddler years.
We love this elegant solid oak cot from Clair de Lune This cot is a double-framed masterpiece that has been designed to be more than just a place for your baby to sleep. The wood is high-quality and was crafted with precision to ensure durability and longevity. Grace, our MFM test subject, found the assembly easy tots and cots the packaging was designed to ensure no parts were left in the dust. The cot does come with a mattress, but you'll need to purchase it separately.
Innovation
A lot of mini cots are designed with efficiency in mind. They feature innovative design elements that maximise space and functionality. For instance, some models have 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 necessary items within reach.
Other designs that are innovative include a crib that has a built-in trundle for extra storage, or a cot that can fold down into a compact unit. These compact designs work great in homes with a limited space, or where the nursery can also be used as an additional bedroom. Some models can also convert into a sofa, offering additional flexibility and functionality for your growing child.
In terms of safety, many mini cot beds prioritise your child's safety with features like side rails that are secure and non-toxic finishes. This will ensure they are safe and secure in their early years.
For a premium, modern-looking cot bed with exceptional design and safety features take a look at the Obaby Nika mini cot. This cot is a little smaller than its full-sized counterpart but doesn't skimp on features, with three mattress bases to accommodate your growing baby and even teething rails. Moreover, our reviewer found it easy to set up and move around the room once complete, while its unique oval shape means it is able to fit into doors that have standard frames, a major plus for time-stretched parents.
Comfort
When you are planning your baby's nursery, it's easy to get caught-up in the safety and spec features. However, comfort is equally important. If your child will be spending the majority of their time in the mini cot they choose it is crucial to ensure that they are safe and comfortable.
It's especially important to consider this when you're thinking of using a Moses basket to replace it. It is recommended that babies sleep with their parents during 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 will be an excellent choice if you are looking for a top quality bed for smaller spaces, but one that still 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 seeing as you can use it from birth to toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another option if you're looking for a cot that comes with extras like a handy drawer, teething rails and two height settings that can be adjusted. Our test participant Jill found it a doddle to put together and loved the way that it fitted through standard door frames. However, do bear in mind that you'll need to purchase sheets and a mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are designed to last longer than standard cots, ensuring your child with the bed they require from birth right through to toddlerhood. This makes cot beds more popular choice than cribs and is a cost-effective investment as you won't need to buy a brand new bed for your child when they outgrow it.
Some cots and cot beds can also grow with your child's. They can be transformed into junior beds, or even small sofas. The Stokke Sleepi for example can be used from age 2 and beyond by purchasing the junior conversion kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It's simple and looks great in any nursery. However, you'll require a fitted sheet to make an cot-bed instead of a crib since the gaps are quite large.
If you're looking for a less complicated alternative, consider the Obaby Nika mini cot bed suitable from birth until approximately four years old. It is compact and has a modern nursery feel with a smooth finish in oak. It has three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby, and teething rails to protect them.
At Pram Centre, you'll find various modern and stylish online cots to create a comfortable nursery for your child. Our collection includes a variety of custom designs from top brands such as Mamas & Papas, Obaby and many more. A lot of them have adjustable features that can be changed to meet the needs of your baby's development. You can also purchase additional accessories to keep your baby snug and safe, such as a toddler-friendly padded guard to stop them from falling out of the cot, or a fitted cot mattress with the ability to breathe, which can help promote healthy sleep habits.
Storage & Extra Features
Consider a design which can be transformed into the bed of a toddler if you are a future parent looking for a cot that can last for many years after your child is outgrown it. This will help you save money on purchasing separate furniture for toddlers and will assist your child make a smooth transition from sleeping in their cot to a bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot made by Silver Cross is a great example of a compact bed with storage built-in. You can keep extra bedding nappies, cots, and sleepsuits in a neatly organized way. This is a great feature for the early months of your baby's life when you'll need to change them often.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another option for parents who are looking for a cot which comes with storage. The cot is modern with a 2-tone appearance and is intended to be used from birth up to approximately four years old. It can be made into a bed for a toddler by taking off the side panel. It also has an infant rail. This model is also available with a range of drawers under the cot.
Browse the Pram Centre's collection of mini cot beds to see our amazing designs. We have options from leading brands including Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to suit every nursery. We also carry a variety of nursery furniture to match your crib bed and create the perfect sleeping space for your baby.