Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds are an ideal alternative to traditional cots, especially if you have a smaller nursery. These are designed to last up until your child is around four years old and come in a variety of styles and colours.
Our mum testers loved this cozy crib bed from Boori. It's simple to put together, looks beautiful and has numerous extra features, including teething rails and an storage drawer.
Style and Design
It's easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when choosing your baby's cot but remember the style. You want a cot that's stylish and will fit in with your nursery, regardless of whether it's a traditional or modern configuration.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our best choice in this category as it's a gorgeous piece that's also super-easy to put together and looks fantastic in the room. It's also very durable and the only cot that we tried that we felt could be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars ensure that there aren't any nooks or crevices to collect dust and make cleaning as easy as it can be. The lowered base is great for newborns and, as your baby grows more active you can lower it further to stop them from getting out, and the teething rails will keep them safe from their sharp teeth.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is another amazing piece. It's a beautiful sleigh-style cot which can be used from birth. An extension kit, which is sold separately, permits it to be converted into a toddler bed. The three height positions will keep your child content as they grow, however the arduous assembly process might 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. Gemma is the mother of Boden, aged 13 months.
Durability
When it comes to purchasing a mini cot bed it is essential to choose a high-quality product since it is a piece of furniture that will last the toddler years too. We have tested numerous cot beds in order to ensure that they are durable and built to last. We have also looked at style and design, the latest innovations, comfort and convertability and storage, as well as other features to assist you in making the best choice for your family.
Whether you are seeking a chic solution or one with more modern flair, we have found the best baby cots cot beds to suit your nursery's decor. We've picked a range of styles and finishes that can meet all tastes and budgets. From basic and practical, to luxurious and expensive. We have tested several convertible cot-beds so you can get the most value for money and use this furniture into your child's toddler years.
We love this elegant solid oak Sale cot by Clair de Lune This cot is a double-framed work of art designed to be more than a place for your child to sleep. The wood is of high quality and has been made with care to ensure longevity and durability. Grace, our MFM test subject found the assembly to be easy and the packaging was designed to ensure that no components were left behind. It's important to note that this cot does not include a mattress, and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.
Innovation
Designed with efficiency in mind, many mini cots come with innovative design features that optimise space and function. For instance, certain models come with a built-in diaper changing station that makes it simpler to change your baby. This helps to improve the comfort of both you and your baby while changing diapers and also makes it more secure by keeping all the necessary items within reach.
Other innovative designs include a cot that folds away into a compact unit, or a crib that has built-in trundle drawers for extra storage space. These compact designs are ideal for tight spaces and homes where the nursery doubles as another bedroom. Some models also convert into a sofa, giving additional flexibility and functionality for your growing child.
In terms of safety, the majority of mini cot beds prioritise your child's health and wellbeing by providing features like side rails with safety and non-toxic finishes. This will ensure that they are safe and comfortable in their early years.
For a premium, modern-looking cot bed that is a masterpiece of design and safety features, look no further than the Obaby Nika mini cot. It is smaller than the full-sized version, but it doesn't sacrifice its functionality. It has three mattress bases for your growing baby as well as teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to set up and move around the room once completed, and its unique oval design ensures it easily fits through doors that have standard frames, 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, but comfort is also a major factor. If your child will be spending much of the time in the cot sets bed they choose it is crucial that they feel safe and comfortable.
It's particularly important if you are considering using a Moses basket as an alternative. It is recommended that babies should be with their parents for the first six months. A cosy, comfortable crib allows them to do this while still being close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a excellent choice for those seeking a high-end cot for small spaces that will still give ample space for your baby to grow into a toddler. It's not expensive however, it comes with a 1-year warranty and is a great value for money when you consider that you can use it through toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if you are looking for a cot with added features like teething bars, a drawer and two adjustable positions. Our test subject Jill found it easy to put together and she was impressed by how it fits into standard door frames. You will need to buy an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds will last longer than cribs beds that are standard and give your child a bed from birth to toddlerhood. This durability makes cot beds a popular option than a crib and can be a more cost-effective investment as you won't need to buy a brand new bed for your child once they grow out of it.
Some cots and cot beds can also grow with your child. They can be turned into junior beds, or even small sofas. Stokke Sleepi, for example is a bed that can be used until age 2 when you purchase an additional mattress extender as well as a junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's easy to construct and looks gorgeous in any nursery. However, you will need to use an appropriate fitted sheet that will fit the cot bed, not a cot since the gaps between the bars are quite large.
For a simpler option, you can opt for the Obaby Nika mini cot bed that is suitable from birth to approximately four years old. It's small and has a contemporary nursery design with a textured finish in oak. It includes three mattress base positions to accommodate your baby's growing needs and teething rails for protection.
At Pram Centre, you'll find various stylish and innovative cots to create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our collection offers a variety of unique designs from leading brands like Mamas & Papas, Obaby and many more. A lot of them have adjustable features that can be altered to suit your baby's growth. You can also pick up a variety of extras to help keep your baby secure and comfortable, like the toddler guard with padding to stop them from falling out, or a breathable fitted cot mattress to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a new parent looking for a cot that will last long after your child has outgrown it, think about buying one that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will help you save money on buying separate toddler furniture and will allow your child to get through the transition from their cot into their 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 allows you to keep nappies, bedding and sleepsuits neatly organised. This is a great feature for the first few months of your baby's development when you'll need to change them frequently.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another option for parents who are looking for a cot that comes with storage. It is designed to be used from birth until around four years old. It has a 2-tone appearance. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by taking off one side panel and includes the toddler rail. A variety of under-cot storage drawers are available for this model too.
If you're looking for a mini cot look through the Pram Centre collection to discover the stunning designs available. We offer a variety of top rated cots brands like Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to match every nursery. We also stock a range of nursery furniture to complement your cot bed and create the perfect sleep space for your baby.