Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds can be an ideal alternative to traditional cots particularly in the case of smaller children's rooms. They're designed to last until your child is four years old. They come in a range of colors and styles.
Our mum testers loved this comfy cot bed from Boori. It's simple to put together, looks fantastic and has a lot of additional features including teething rails, storage drawers and is a stylish.
Style and Design
When choosing a cot for your baby, it's easy to get caught-up in the safety and spec features. However, don't forget about the style. You want a cot that's fashionable and will blend into your nursery, regardless of whether it's a traditional or modern configuration.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our top choice in this category because it's an exquisite piece that's easy to put together and looks fantastic in the room. It's also super-sturdy and is the only cot we've have tested that we believe will be able to endure the test of time. The narrow bars make it easy to clean because there are no crevices or nooks where dust can collect. As your baby grows, you can lower the base further to keep them from climbing out. The teething rails will shield them from sharp teeth.
Another gorgeous piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a gorgeous sleigh-style cot that's ideal from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed with an extension kit (sold separately). The three height options will keep your little one at ease throughout their development, however the time-consuming assembly process could put off some. It's expensive, but worth the extra investment in the event you're looking to purchase a timeless design that will last for years to come. Gemma is the mother of Boden, aged 13 months.
Durability
When you are looking to purchase a Mini Cot Bed (here.), the quality is crucial as this will be an item of furniture that will last the toddler years too. We have tested numerous cribs to ensure they are sturdy and durable. They are built to last. We also considered the design and style, innovative features, comfort, convertibility storage, and other features to help you choose the ideal cot for your family.
We have the perfect cot bed for your nursery decor, whether you're looking for something elegant or modern. We have picked a range of designs and finishes that are suitable for every budget and taste. From simple and practical, to lavish and expensive. We've also tried a couple of convertible cot beds to ensure that you get the best cot newborn value for money and use this piece of furniture well into the toddler years of your child.
We adore this beautiful solid oak cot by Clair de Lune, which is a double-framed masterpiece designed to be more than just an area for your baby to sleep. The wood is of high-end quality and was crafted with precision to ensure durability and longevity. Our MFM test participant Grace found it easy to put together and the packaging was designed so that there were no leftover parts. However, it's important to know that this cot doesn't include a mattress, and you will need to purchase one separately.
Innovation
Created with efficiency in mind. Many mini cot beds come with innovative design features that optimize space and efficiency. For instance, certain models have a built-in diaper change station that makes it easier to change your baby. This enhances the comfort of both of you and your child during the diaper changing process. It also makes it safer as all the necessary items are within reach.
Other designs that are innovative include a crib that has a built-in trundle for extra storage or a cot which folds down into a compact unit. These compact designs are ideal for homes with tight spaces or where the nursery can double as a bedroom. Some models can also transform into a couch and give your child more flexibility.
In terms of safety, the majority of mini cot beds prioritise your child's health and wellbeing by providing features like side rails that are secure and non-toxic finishes. This ensures they remain secure and comfortable throughout their first few years.
Obaby Nika is a modern premium crib bed that comes with outstanding safety features and a stylish design. The cot is smaller than its full-sized equivalent however, it doesn't sacrifice its functionality. It has three mattress bases for your growing baby, as well as teething rails. Moreover, our reviewer found it easy to set up and move around the room once completed, and its unique oval design ensures it easily fits through doors with standard frames, which is a major plus for time-stretched parents.
Comfort
When you are preparing your baby's nursery, it is easy to get caught up on safety and spec features. However comfort is equally important. If your child will spend much of their time in their mini cot bed, they need to be safe and comfortable.
This is especially important when you're thinking of using a mini cot as an alternative to the traditional Moses basket. It is most recommended cribs that infants sleep with their parents during the first six months. A cozy, comfortable crib can allow them to do this while being close to you.
The great crib Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a excellent choice for those looking for a top cot for small spaces that will still provide plenty of space for your baby to grow into a toddler. It's not cheap, but it comes with a 1-year warranty and is a great value for money since you can use it through toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another option if you're looking for an cot with added extras like a handy drawer, teething rails, and two adjustable height positions. Our tester Jill found it a doddle to build and she was impressed by how it fits through door frames that are standard. However, do bear in your mind that you'll need purchase sheets and a mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds will last longer than cribs that are standard and give your child a bed from birth to toddlerhood. This durability makes cot beds a more popular option than cribs and can be a more cost-effective investment because you won't need to buy a new baby bed for your child once they get out of it.
Some cots and cot beds are also designed to adapt to the needs of your child, and transform into junior beds or even small sofa beds. Stokke Sleepi, for example is a bed that can be used until age 2 with the purchase of an additional mattress extender and junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's simple and looks great in any nursery. However, you will require a fitted sheet to make a cot-bed rather than a crib because the gaps are quite big.
For a simpler option, you can opt for the Obaby Nika mini cot bed that is suitable from birth to around four years old. It's compact and provides modern design and style with a textured oak effect finish. It includes three mattress positions to accommodate your baby's growing needs and teething rails to protect your baby.
At Pram Centre, you'll find various modern and stylish cots offers to create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our selection includes a range of bespoke designs by leading brands like Mamas & Papas, Obaby and many others. A lot of them have adjustable features that can be changed to accommodate your child's needs. You can also buy additional items that will keep your baby 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 new parent looking for a cot that will last long after your little one has outgrown it, think about buying an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will save money on separate furniture for toddlers, and will help your child make the transition from their crib to a bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot from Silver Cross is a fantastic example of a bed that is compact with storage built-in. It is possible to store bedding nappies, sleepsuits, and other bedding in a neatly laid out in a neat and tidy manner. This is a useful feature to have for your baby's first few months, as you'll need to change your baby's clothes frequently.
Another option for parents who are looking for an option with storage for their cot is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. It is designed for use from birth until around four years old. It features a two-tone appearance. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by the removal of a side panel. It also has an infant rail. A range of under-cot storage drawers are available for this model too.
If you're in the market for a mini cot bed look through the Pram Centre collection to discover our stunning designs. We have options from leading brands including Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to fit the needs of every nursery. We also have a broad selection of nursery furniture that can fit perfectly with your cot and provide an ideal sleeping space for your child.