Mini Cot Beds
mini cot beds (read the full info here) are an ideal alternative to traditional cots, particularly when you have smaller children's rooms. They are made to be used until your child reaches the age of four and come in a variety of colours and styles.
Our mom testers loved this comfy crib bed from Boori. It's easy to assemble, looks stunning, and has many extra features like teething rails, a storage drawer, and is very elegant.
Style & Design
When you are choosing a cot for your baby It's easy to get swept up in the safety and specification features. But don't forget the design. You want a cot that is elegant and blends into your nursery, regardless whether it's a traditional or modern arrangement.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed, our top pick for this category, is a stunning 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 are no nooks and crevices for dust to accumulate and make cleaning as simple as possible. As your baby grows and develops, you can lower the base to keep them from climbing out. The teething rails will shield them from sharp teeth.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is another amazing piece. It's a gorgeous sleigh style cot that can be used from the time of birth. An extension kit, available separately, lets it be converted into a toddler bed. The three height positions keep your child comfortable as they grow, but the tedious assembly process could put some people off. It's also costly, but it's worth the extra cost when you're looking for an iconic design that will last for years to come. Tested by: Gemma mom to Boden 13 months old.
Durability
When purchasing a mini-cot, the quality is important since the furniture will last well into the age of toddlerhood. We have tested numerous cribs to make sure they're durable and built to last. We also have looked at the design and style, as well as innovative technology, comfort tots and cots conversion and storage as well as additional features to aid you in making the right choice for your family.
We have the perfect cot bed for your nursery, whether you're looking for something elegant or modern. We have chosen a range of styles and finishes that meet the needs of all budgets and tastes, from simple and practical to luxury and costly. We've also looked at a variety of convertible cot beds to ensure you can get the best value for money and utilize this piece of furniture well into your child's toddler years.
We love this elegant solid oak cot by Clair de Lune, which is a double-framed work of art designed to be more than a place for your baby to sleep. The wood is of the highest quality and was crafted with precision to ensure longevity and durability. Grace, our MFM tester found the assembly to be easy and the packaging was designed to ensure that no parts were left behind. The cot comes with a mattress, however you'll need to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Many mini affordable cots are designed with efficiency in mind. They feature innovative design elements that maximise the space and efficiency. Some models have an integrated changing station to make it easier for you to change your baby. This improves the comfort for both of you and your child during the diaper changing process. It is also safer since all the essential items are readily available.
Other unique designs include cribs that fold into a small unit or a crib that has built-in trundle drawers for extra storage space. These compact designs are a great choice for homes with tight spaces or where the nursery doubles as another bedroom. Some models can also be transformed into a sofa and give your child more flexibility.
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 with safety and non-toxic finishes. This will ensure they are safe and comfortable in their early years.
Obaby Nika is a modern, premium cot bed that has exceptional safety features and a stylish design. This cot is smaller than its full-sized equivalent however, it doesn't sacrifice its functionality. It has three mattress base positions for your growing baby, as well as teething rails. Moreover, our reviewer found it was easy to assemble and move around the room when it was assembled. Its unique oval shape means it is able to fit into doors with standard frames, which is an important benefit for busy parents.
Comfort
When you are preparing your baby's nursery, it's easy to get caught up on safety and spec features. However, comfort is equally important. If your child will be spending much of the time in the mini crib they pick it is essential that they feel safe and comfortable.
This is particularly crucial when you're thinking of using the 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 cosy, comfortable crib can allow them to do this while still 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, however, one that allows your baby to grow and develop into a toddler. It's not cheap baby cots for sale, but it comes with a 1 year warranty and is a great value for money since it can be used right until the age of toddler.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another option when you're looking for a cot that has added additional features such as a handy drawer, teething rails and two height settings that can be adjusted. Our test participant Jill was able to build and loved the way that it fitted through standard door frames. You will need to buy 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 longevity makes cot beds a more popular option than a crib and is a cost-effective investment as you won't need to buy a new baby bed for your child when they outgrow it.
Some cots and cot beds are designed to grow with your child, transforming into junior beds or even small sofa beds. The Stokke Sleepi for example can be used until age 2 and beyond by purchasing an upgrade kit for juniors and a mattress extender (sold separately). It's easy to construct and looks gorgeous in any nursery, however you will need to use a fitted sheet that fits the cot bed, not a cot as the gaps between the bars are quite large.
Try the Obaby Nika Mini Cot Bed that is suitable for babies up to four years of age. It's small and has a modern nursery feel with a smooth finish in oak. It comes with three mattress base positions to suit your growing baby and teething rails for protection.
At Pram Centre, you'll find a variety of stylish and innovative cots to create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our collection includes a range of bespoke designs from leading brands like Mamas & Papas and Obaby as well as a number of cots with adjustable features to 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 prevent them from falling out of the cot or a cot mattress that is fitted with breathable material to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
Think about a design that can be converted into the bed of a toddler should you be a future parent seeking a cot that will last for many years after your child has outgrown it. This will save you money purchasing separate furniture for your toddler and will assist your child make a smooth transition from sleeping in their cot into their bed.
The Katie mini Sleigh cot bed from Silver Cross is an example of a compact cot that has built-in storage. This lets you keep extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits neatly organised. This is a useful feature to have in your baby's first few months, as you'll need to change them often.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another great option for parents who are looking for a cot that has storage. This cot has a fresh 2-tone look and is designed to be used from birth to approximately four years old. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off one side panel, and includes a toddler rail. A variety of under-cot storage drawers are available for this model too.
If you're shopping for a mini cot bed check out the Pram Centre collection to discover our selection of stunning designs. We offer a range of options from the top brands like Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also have a large assortment of nursery furniture that will fit perfectly with your cot and provide an ideal sleeping space for your child.