Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds can be an ideal alternative to traditional cots, particularly when you have smaller children's rooms. They are designed to be used until your child reaches the age of four and come in a variety of colours and styles.
The cosy Cot-bed from Boori was a big hit with our mum testers. It's easy-to-assemble, looks great, and has many extra features like teething rails, a storage drawer, and is very elegant.
Style & Design
It can be easy to become caught up in the specifications and safety features when you are choosing a crib for your baby but don't forget about the design. You want something that's 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 choice in this category since it's a gorgeous piece that's easy to put together and looks great in the room. It's also very sturdy and the only cot we tested that we feel will be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars make it easy to clean because there are no crevices or nooks where dust could accumulate. As your baby grows, you can lower the base to stop them from climbing out. The teething rails will shield them from sharp teeth.
Another gorgeous piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a beautiful sleigh-style cot that's suitable from birth and can be made into a toddler bed with an extension kit (sold separately). The three height positions keep your child comfortable as they grow, however the tedious assembly process could cause some to be hesitant. It's also expensive but worth the extra cost if 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 buying a mini cot bed, the quality is crucial because it will be an item of furniture that will last through the toddler years too. We have tested a variety of cribs to ensure that they are sturdy and durable. They are built to last. We also looked at design and style, ingenuity features, comfort, convertibility, storage, and extra features in order to help you select the right cot bed for your family.
We have the best crib bed for your nursery decor, whether you're looking for something classic or contemporary. We have picked a range of styles and finishes that can meet all tastes and budgets. From simple and practical, to lavish and expensive. We've even tested a few convertible cot beds, so that you can get great value for money and utilize this piece of furniture well into the toddler years of your child.
We love this elegant solid oak cot by Clair de Lune This cot is a double-framed masterpiece that has been designed to be more than just an area for your baby to sleep. The wood is of the highest quality and has been crafted precisely to ensure longevity and durability. Grace the MFM tester found the assembly to be easy and the packaging was designed to ensure that no components were left behind. The cot comes with a mattress, however you will have to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Many mini cots are designed with efficiency in mind. They feature innovative design elements that maximize space and functionality. Some models come with a built-in changing station to facilitate your ability to change your baby. This improves the comfort of both you and your baby while changing diapers, while also making it safer by keeping all the necessary supplies within reach.
Other unique designs include cribs that fold into a small unit or a crib with built-in trundle drawers for extra storage space. These compact designs are ideal in homes with a limited space or where the nursery can also be used as a bedroom. Some models can be transformed into a sofa to give your child more flexibility.
In terms of safety, many mini cot beds are designed to ensure your child's safety with features like side rails with safety and non-toxic finishes. This will ensure they are safe and comfortable throughout their first years.
Obaby Nika is a modern premium cot bed with exceptional safety features as well as a chic design. It is smaller than its larger counterpart however, it doesn't sacrifice its functionality. It comes with three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby as well as teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to put together and move around the room once it was assembled. Its unique oval design means it easily fits through doors that have standard frames, an important benefit for busy parents.
Comfort
It is easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when kitting out your baby's nursery, however comfort is equally important. If your child will spend many hours in their mini cot bed, they need to be safe and comfortable.
It's crucial when you're considering using a Moses basket as an alternative. It's recommended that babies sleep with their parents during the first six months, so a cozy, comfortable cot will make sure they're able to do so while being close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed will be a great option if you are looking for a top quality bed for small spaces, however, one that allows your baby to grow and develop into a toddler. It's not expensive but it comes with a 1-year warranty and is a fantastic value for money when you consider that it can be used right up until toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if you are seeking a cot with added features such as teething bars, a drawer and two positions that are adjustable. Our test participant Jill was able to build and loved how it fits into standard door frames. However, do bear in your mind that you'll need purchase an oval mattress and sheets separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are made to last longer than standard cots to tots. They provide your child with the bed they need from birth right through to the age of toddlers. This longevity makes cot beds more popular option than a crib, and can be a more cost-effective investment because you won't need to purchase a new infant bed for your child when they grow out of it.
Some cots and cot beds can also grow with your child's. They can be converted into junior beds, or even small sofas. The Stokke Sleepi for example can be used from age 2 and beyond with the purchase of an upgrade kit for juniors and a mattress extender (sold separately). It's simple to construct and looks gorgeous in any nursery. However, you will need to use an adjustable sheet that can fit the bed of a cot rather than a cot since the gaps between the bars are wide.
For a more simple option, you can opt for the Obaby Nika mini cot bed suitable from birth until approximately four years old. It's compact and offers an elegant look for your nursery with a textured oak effect finish. It has three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby, and teething rails to safeguard the baby from harm.
At Pram Centre, you'll find a variety of modern and stylish cheap 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 buy additional items to keep your baby snug and safe, such as an infant padded safety guard to keep them from falling out of the cot or an upholstered cot mattress made of air-tight material to encourage healthy sleeping 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 little one has outgrown it, consider opting for an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will save you money on separate toddler furniture, and help your child make 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. You can store extra bedding nappies, cots, and sleepsuits in a neatly laid out way. This is a fantastic feature for the early months of your baby's life, when you will need to change them regularly.
Another alternative for parents who want an option with storage for their cot is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. This cot is designed for use from birth until around four years old. It features a two-tone look. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel and also includes a toddler rail. The model also comes with a range of drawers under the cot.
Explore the Pram Centre's selection of mini cots to see our amazing designs. We have a variety of choices from top brands such as Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also have a large selection of nursery furniture to fit perfectly with your cheap cot bed and provide the perfect sleeping environment for your child.