Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds are an ideal alternative to traditional cots, especially in the case of smaller children's rooms. These are designed to last up until your child is around four years old. They come in a range of colours and styles.
The comfy Cot-bed from Boori was a huge hit with our mum testers. It's simple to put together, looks fantastic and has a lot of additional features like teething rails, a drawer for storage and is stylish.
Style and Design
It's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features when you are choosing a crib for your baby but remember the style. You want something that is fashionable and will fit in with your nursery, whether you have a traditional or modern arrangement.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our best cot bed choice in this category as it's a gorgeous piece that's also super-easy to build and looks stunning in the room. It's also super-sturdy and is the only cot that we test that we believe will be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars make it easy to clean, as there are no crevices or nooks where dust can collect. The lower base is ideal for newborns and, as your baby becomes more active, you can lower it further to keep them from falling out, while the teething rails keep them safe from sharp teeth.
Another beautiful piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a beautiful sleigh-style cot that's suitable from birth and can be made into a bed for toddlers using an extension kit (sold separately). The three height positions will keep your child in a comfortable position as they grow up, but the tedious assembly process could put some people off. It's also expensive but worth the extra cost when you're looking for a timeless design that will last for years to come. Tested by Gemma mother to Boden, 13 months.
Durability
When purchasing a mini-cot sets it is crucial to choose a high-quality product as this piece of furniture will last for a long time into toddlerhood. 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 the latest innovations, comfort and convertability and storage and extra features to aid you in making the right choice for your family.
We have the perfect cot bed for your nursery decor, whether you're looking for something elegant or contemporary. We have selected a variety of finishes and styles to match all tastes and budgets from basic and practical to luxury and expensive. We've even looked at a variety of convertible cot beds so you can get the best baby cots value for money and utilize this piece of furniture into your child's toddler years.
This gorgeous solid oak cot from Clair de Lune is a double-framed masterpiece that's designed to be much more than a place to sleep your baby. The wood is high-quality and has been crafted precisely to ensure durability and longevity. Our MFM tester Grace found it easy to put together and the packaging was carefully designed so that there were no parts left over. It's important to note that this cot doesn't include a mattress, and you'll need to purchase one separately.
Innovation
A lot of mini cots are designed with efficiency in mind. They are designed with innovative elements that maximise space and functionality. Some models include a built-in changing station to make it easier for you to change your baby. This can improve the comfort of both of you and your baby when changing diapers and also makes it safer by keeping all the necessary items within reach.
Other innovative designs include a crib with built-in trundles for additional storage, or a cot that folds down into a compact unit. These compact designs are a great choice for homes with limited space and where the nursery doubles as another bedroom. Some models can transform into a couch and give your child more flexibility.
The majority of mini cots and tots are designed with safety in mind. They come with features like safe side rails as well as non-toxic finishes. This ensures they remain secure and comfortable throughout their first few years.
Obaby Nika is a modern, premium cot bed with exceptional safety features as well as a chic design. It's a bit smaller than its larger counterpart, but it's not sacrificing functionality, featuring three mattress bases to accommodate your growing baby, and even teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to put together, and then move around the room, once it's all set. Its unique oval shape makes it possible to fit through doors with standard frames.
Comfort
It can be easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when you are laying out your baby's nursery but comfort is equally important. If your child will spend many hours in their cot it is essential that they are secure and comfortable.
It's especially important when you're considering using a Moses basket as an alternative. It is recommended that babies be with their parents for the first six months. A comfortable, cozy crib will 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 give ample space for your baby to develop into a toddler. 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 right up to the age of toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another option when you're looking for an cot with added features like a drawer, teething rails, and two adjustable height positions. It was simple to put together and Jill loved how it fit through standard door frames. You'll need an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are designed to last longer than standard cots, ensuring your child with the bed they require from birth until the age of toddlers. This durability makes cot beds a popular option than a crib and can be a cost-effective investment as you won't need to purchase a new infant bed for your child once they outgrow 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 until age 2 and beyond with the purchase of the junior conversion kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It's simple to install and looks fantastic in any nursery. However, you will require a fitted sheet for an cot-bed instead of a crib as the gaps are quite big.
For a simpler option, you can opt for the Obaby Nika mini cot bed suitable from birth until around four years old. It's small and has a modern nursery design with a textured finish in oak. It includes three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby, as well as teething rails for protection.
At Pram Centre, you'll find various stylish and innovative cots to create a comfortable nursery for your child. Our selection includes a variety of unique designs from top brands such as Mamas & Papas and Obaby, including many with adjustable features that can change as your baby grows. You can also purchase extras to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe, such as an infant padded safety guard to stop them from falling out of the cot, or a cot mattress that is fitted with air-tight material to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a mom-to-be looking for a cot bed that will last for a long time after your child has grown out of it, consider opting for an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will save you money purchasing separate furniture for your toddler and will allow your child move smoothly from sleeping in their cot into their bed.
The Katie mini sleigh cot bed from Silver Cross is an example of a compact cot with built-in storage. This lets you keep extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits in order. This is an important feature to have for your baby's first few months, as you'll need to change the diapers frequently.
Another alternative for parents who want an option with storage for their cot is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. This cot is designed to be used from birth until around four years old. It comes with a two-tone appearance. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off a 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 check out the Pram Centre collection to discover our stunning designs. We offer a variety of top brands including Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to match every nursery. We also have a selection of nursery furniture that will complement your cot bed and create the ideal sleeping space for your child.