Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds are a great alternative to traditional cots particularly in the case of a smaller nursery. They are designed to last until your child is the age of four and are available in a variety of colors and styles.
The cozy Cot-bed from Boori was a hit with our mum testers. It's easy to assemble and looks gorgeous. It also has plenty of extra features, like teething rails as well as an storage drawer.
Style & Design
When you are choosing a cot for your baby it's easy to get caught up on the safety and specifications features. However, don't forget about the design. You want a cot that's stylish and will fit with your nursery regardless whether it's a modern or traditional configuration.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed, our top pick for this category, is a gorgeous piece that's easy to build and looks stunning in any room. It's also very durable and the only cot we tested we felt would stand the test time. The narrow bars allow for easy cleaning because there are no nooks or crannies where dust can collect. As your baby grows and gets bigger, you can lower the base further to keep them from climbing out. The teething rails shield them from sharp teeth.
Another stunning piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a stunning sleigh-style cot which is suitable from birth and can be converted into a bed for toddlers using an extension kit (sold separately). The three different heights will keep your child content as they grow, but the arduous assembly process might put some people off. It's also costly, but it's worth the investment in the event you're looking to purchase an elegant design that will last for many years to come. Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old.
Durability
When you are buying a mini-cot, the quality is important since the furniture will last until the age of toddlerhood. We have tested a variety of cribs to ensure they are durable and built to last. We also have looked at design and style, innovation, comfort and convertability and storage as well as additional features to aid you in making the right choice for your family.
We have the best crib bed for your nursery regardless of whether you're looking for something classy or contemporary. We have chosen a range of styles and finishes that fit all budgets and tastes, from simple and practical to extravagant and expensive. We've even tested a few convertible cot beds, so you can get the best cots for newborns value for your money and enjoy this piece of furniture well into your child's toddler years.
We love this gorgeous solid oak cot by Clair de Lune This cot is a double-framed masterpiece designed to be more than just an area for your baby to sleep. The wood is of the highest quality and was crafted with precision to ensure durability and longevity. Our MFM test subject Grace found it easy to put together and the packaging was carefully constructed to ensure that there are no parts left over. The cot comes with a mattress, but you will have to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Created with efficiency in mind. Many mini cot beds come with innovative design features that optimize space and function. Some models include built-in changing stations to help you to change your baby. This improves the comfort of both your baby and you during the diaper changing process and makes it safer by keeping all necessary supplies within reach.
Other unique designs include a cot that folds away to make a smaller unit or a crib with built-in trundle drawers for additional storage space. These compact designs work great in homes with limited space or in homes where the nursery also functions as an additional bedroom. Some models can also transform into a couch to give your child more flexibility.
Mini cots are generally designed with safety in mind. They come with features such as safety rails on the sides as well as non-toxic finishes. This will ensure they are safe and secure in their early years.
Obaby Nika is a modern, premium cot bed that has exceptional safety features and a fashionable design. The cot is smaller than its full-sized equivalent however it doesn't compromise functionality. It has three mattress base positions for your growing baby as well as teething rails. Additionally, our reviewer noted that it easy to set up and move around the room once complete, while its unique oval design ensures it can easily fit through doors that have standard frames, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents.
Comfort
When you are preparing your nursery for your baby, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specification features. However, comfort is equally important. If your little one is going to spend much of their time in their cot and crib, they must be secure and comfortable.
It's particularly important to consider this when you're thinking of using a Moses basket to replace it. It's recommended that babies sleep next to their parents for the first six months, so a warm and comfortable cot can make sure they're able to do so while being close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a excellent choice for those looking for a premium cot for small spaces that can still offer plenty of space for your baby to grow into toddlerhood. It's not expensive however, it comes with a one-year warranty and is a fantastic value for money considering you can use it until the age of toddler.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if you are seeking a cot with additional features such as teething bars, a drawer and two positions that can be adjusted. Our test participant Jill found it a doddle to put together, and she loved the way that it fitted through door frames that are standard. But keep in mind that you'll need to purchase sheets and a mattress separately.
Convertability
Cot beds are made to last longer than standard cots, providing your child with the bed they require from birth to the age of toddlers. This makes cots a better choice than good cribs. They also are a more cost-effective option, as you don't have to purchase a new bed for your child after they grow out of it.
Some cots 4 tots and cot beds can also adapt to the needs of your child. They can be turned into junior beds, or even small sofas. Stokke Sleepi, for example can be used up to age 2 if you purchase an additional mattress extender as well as a junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's easy and looks great in any nursery. However, you'll require a fitted sheet for the cot-bed, not a crib since the gaps are quite wide.
If you're looking for a less complicated alternative, consider the Obaby Nika mini cot bed that is suitable from birth to around four years old. It is compact and has a contemporary nursery look with a textured finish in oak. It comes with three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby, and teething rails to protect the baby from harm.
At Pram Centre, you'll find a variety of fashionable and modern cots that will create a comfortable nursery for your child. Our collection offers a variety of custom designs from top brands such as Mamas & Papas, Obaby and a host of others. Many have adjustable features that can be altered to meet the needs of your baby's development. You can also purchase additional accessories to keep your baby comfortable and safe, like a toddler-friendly padded guard to prevent them from falling out of the cot, 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 long after your little one has outgrown it, think about buying a design that converts into a toddler bed. This will help you save money on purchasing separate furniture for toddlers and will help your child to move smoothly from their cot to a bed.
The Katie mini sleigh cot bed from Silver Cross is an example of a cot that is compact and has built-in storage. You can store extra bedding nappies, cots, and sleepsuits in a neatly organized manner. This is a useful feature to have for your baby's first few months, as you'll be changing them often.
Another alternative for parents who want an cot that has storage is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. It is designed for use from birth to around four years old. It features a two-tone look. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by cutting off one side panel, and includes a toddler rail. A range of under-cot storage drawers are available for this model too.
Explore the Pram Centre's selection of mini cot beds to see our stunning designs. We have a variety of options from leading brands such as Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also carry a variety of nursery furniture to complement your cot bed and create the perfect sleeping space for your child.