Mini Cot Beds
If you're planning to furnish your nursery in a smaller space or want an alternative to a traditional cot mini cot beds are a great option. They're designed to last up until your child is four years old. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Our mum testers were enthralled by this comfy crib bed from Boori. It's easy-to-assemble, looks great and has a lot of additional features like teething rails, a storage drawer and is a elegant.
Style & 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 something that's fashionable and will fit in with your nursery, whether you have a traditional or modern setup.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed, our top pick for this category, is a gorgeous piece that is easy to put together and looks great in any room. It's also super-sturdy and is the only cot we tested that we feel will endure the test of time. The narrow bars ensure that there are no nooks and crevices for dust to accumulate and make cleaning as easy as it can be. The lower base is ideal for newborns and, as your baby gets more active you can lower it even further to keep them from climbing out, while the teething rails keep them safe from their sharp teeth.
Another beautiful piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a gorgeous sleigh-style cot that's ideal from birth and can be made into a toddler bed with an extension kit (sold separately). The three different heights will keep your baby at ease as they grow, but the fiddly assembly process might turn off some. It's also expensive however it is worth it if you're looking for a timeless design which will last for many years. Tested by Gemma mother to Boden, 13 months.
Durability
When you are looking to purchase the smallest cot bed, quality is key because it will be a piece of furniture that will last through the toddler years too. We have tested many cot beds in order to ensure that they are durable and built to last. We also have looked at design and style, the latest innovations, comfort and convertability and storage as well as additional features to help you make the right choice for your family.
If you're seeking a stylish option or more modern flair, we have the most suitable crib beds that will fit your nursery decor. We have picked a range of styles and finishes that can meet all budgets and tastes. From simple and practical, to extravagant and expensive. We've tested a variety of convertible cot-beds to ensure you find the best value and make use of this furniture up to your child's toddler years.
This beautiful solid oak cot from Clair de Lune is a double-framed masterpiece that's designed to be more than just a place for your baby to sleep your baby. The wood is of high-end quality and has been crafted precisely to ensure durability and longevity. Grace is our MFM test subject, found the assembly easy and the packaging was designed to ensure that no components were left behind. 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, certain models come with a built-in diaper changing station, which makes it much easier to change your baby. This increases the comfort of both 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 a cot that folds away into a compact unit, or a crib with a built-in trundle drawer for extra storage space. These compact designs are ideal for homes with tight spaces or where the nursery can double as a bedroom. Some models can transform into a couch and give your child more flexibility.
In terms of safety, most mini cot beds prioritise your child's wellbeing with features like side rails with safety and non-toxic finishes. This ensures that they are safe and comfortable throughout their early years.
For a modern, stylish 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 larger counterpart, but it doesn't sacrifice the functionality, offering three mattress base positions to accommodate your growing child and even teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to put together, and then move around the room, once completed. Its unique oval shape allows it to fit through doors that have standard frames.
Comfort
It's easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when kitting out your baby's nursery, but comfort is also key. If your child will be spending a great deal of time in the mini cot they choose it is essential to ensure that they are safe and comfortable.
It's particularly important when you're considering using a Moses basket as an alternative. It is recommended that babies sleep with their parents during the first six months, so a warm and comfortable cot will ensure they can do that while keeping them close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a ideal choice if you're seeking a high-end cot for smaller spaces that will still provide plenty of space for your baby to develop into a toddler. It's not cheap but it comes with a 1-year warranty and provides 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 are seeking a cot with additional features such as a drawer, teething bars and two positions that can be adjusted. It was easy to put together and Jill loved the way it fit through door frames that are standard. You'll need to purchase an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are designed to last longer than standard cots. They provide your child with the bed they need from birth until toddler years. This makes cot beds a 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 get out of it.
Some cots and cot beds are designed to grow with your child, turning into junior beds or even small cot beds sofa beds. Stokke Sleepi, for example is a bed that can be used until age 2 if you purchase an additional mattress extender and junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's easy to put together and looks lovely 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 wide.
If you're looking for a less complicated option, try the Obaby Nika mini cot bed that is suitable from birth to approximately four years old. It is compact and has a contemporary nursery design with a smooth finish in oak. It has three mattress base positions to suit your growing baby and teething rails to protect your baby.
Explore a variety of stylish and innovative cots and cot beds to create a cosy nursery for your little one at Pram Centre. Our collection includes a variety of custom designs from top brands like Mamas & Papas, Obaby and a host of others. Many have adjustable features that can be changed to meet the needs of your baby's development. You can also buy additional items to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe, such as a padded guard for toddlers to keep them from falling out of the crib or a fitted cot mattress with breathable material to promote healthy sleep habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a parent-to-be shopping for a cot bed that will last for a long time after your child has grown out of it, consider opting for one that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will save money on separate toddler furniture, and aid your child in making the transition from crib to a bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot made by Silver Cross is a great example of a bed that is compact with storage built-in. This lets you keep extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits neatly organised. This is a useful feature to have in your baby's early months when you'll need to change the diapers frequently.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another great option for parents who are seeking a cot that has storage. This cot has a fresh 2-tone appearance and is intended to be used from birth up to about four years old. It can be made into a bed for a toddler by taking off the side panel. It also includes a toddler rail. A range of under-cot storage drawers are available for this model too.
Explore the Pram Center's collection of mini cot beds to see our stunning designs. We have options from leading brands like Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to match every nursery. We also stock a range of nursery furniture to complement your crib bed and create the perfect sleep space for your baby.