Mini Cot Beds
If you're putting together a smaller nursery or simply require a different design to a traditional cot bed, mini cot beds are a great alternative. They are made to last up until your child is four years old and come in a variety of styles and colours.
The cozy cot-bed from Boori was a big hit with our mum testers. It's simple to build, looks beautiful and has many additional features, such as teething rails as well as an storage drawer.
Style and Design
It's easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when selecting a cot for your baby, but remember the style. You want a cot that's fashionable and will blend with your nursery regardless of whether it's a traditional or modern setup.
Obaby Maya Mini cot sets Bed Our top pick in this category, is a beautiful piece that's easy to build and looks stunning in any room. It's also very durable and the only cot that we tested we felt would be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars ensure that there aren't any nooks or crannies for dust to collect and make cleaning as easy as it can be. As your baby grows and develops, you can lower the base to stop them from climbing out. The teething rails guard 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 up, but the fiddly assembling process may put some people off. It is also expensive but it is worth it if your goal is a timeless design which will last for many years. Gemma is the mother of Boden, aged 13 months.
Durability
When buying a mini-cot bed it is essential to consider the quality as this piece of furniture will last well into toddlerhood. We have tested a variety of cribs to make sure they're durable and built to last. We also looked at design and style, ingenuity features, comfort, convertibility, storage, and extra features to help you select the best crib cot bed for your family.
Whether you are seeking a chic solution or something with more modern flair, we have uncovered the top cot beds that can fit into your nursery's decor. We've picked a range of styles and finishes that fit all budgets and tastes from basic and practical to luxury and costly. We've tested a variety of convertible cot-beds to ensure you get the best value and use this furniture into your child's toddler years.
This elegant solid oak cot by Clair de Lune is an exquisite double-framed piece that's designed to be much more than a place to sleep your baby. The wood is of top quality and has been crafted with care to ensure durability and longevity. Grace, our MFM tester was able to put it together easily and the packaging was designed to ensure no parts were left behind. However, it's important to know that this cot does not include a mattress, so you'll need to purchase a mattress separately.
Innovation
Created with efficiency in mind, a lot of mini cots come with innovative design features that optimize space and function. Some models include built-in changing stations to make it easier for you to change your baby. This improves the comfort of both you and your baby during the diaper changing process and also makes it more secure by keeping all the necessary items within reach.
Other unique designs include a crib with built-in trundles for additional storage or a cot which folds into a small unit. These compact designs work well in homes with a limited space or where the nursery also functions as an additional bedroom. Some models can also be converted into a sofa, giving even more flexibility and function for your growing child.
In terms of safety, most mini cots are designed to protect your child's safety with features like side rails with safety and non-toxic finishes. This will ensure that they are safe and comfortable during their early years.
If you're looking for a stylish, modern cot bed with exceptional design and safety features take a look at the Obaby Nika mini cot. It is smaller than its full-sized equivalent however it doesn't compromise functionality. It comes with three mattress bases for your growing baby and teething rails. Our reviewer also found it simple to assemble and move around the room once it's all set. Its unique oval shape allows it to fit through standard door frames.
Comfort
It can be easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when laying out your baby's nursery, but comfort is equally important. If your child will be spending much of the time in the crib they pick it is essential to ensure that they are comfortable and safe.
This is particularly crucial in the event that you're considering the mini cot as an alternative to the traditional Moses basket. It's recommended that babies sleep next to their parents for the first six months, so a warm, 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 an ideal choice if are looking for a premium bed for smaller spaces, however, one that allows your baby to grow and develop into a toddler. It's not expensive however, it comes with a one-year warranty and is a great value for money considering it can be used right up until toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another good option to consider if you're looking at an cot with added extras like a handy drawer, teething rails and two height settings that can be adjusted. Our test participant Jill found it a doddle to put together and she was impressed by the way that it fitted into standard door frames. You'll need an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are designed to last longer than standard cots, ensuring your child with the bed they need from birth to toddler years. This longevity 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 are designed to adapt to the needs of your child, turning into junior beds or even small sofa beds. 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 simple and looks great in any nursery. However, you will need a fitted sheet for an cot-bed instead of a crib as the gaps are quite large.
For a more simple option, try the Obaby Nika mini cot bed suitable from birth until approximately four years old. It is compact and has a contemporary nursery design with a textured finish made of oak. It includes three mattress bases to suit your growing baby, as well as teething rails for protection.
At Pram Centre, you'll find an array of stylish and innovative cots to create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our selection includes a variety of unique designs from top brands such as Mamas & Papas and Obaby and includes a variety of adjustable features to change as your baby grows. You can also pick up various accessories to keep your baby safe and comfortable, such as a padded toddler guard to keep them from falling out, or a ventilated fitted cot mattress that promotes healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a mom-to-be looking for a cot that will last long after your child has outgrown it, consider opting for one that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will save money on separate furniture for toddlers and help your child make the transition from cot to bed.
The Katie mini Sleigh cot from Silver Cross is an example of a compact cot beds for sale that has built-in storage. This allows you to keep extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits neatly organized. This is a great feature for the early months of your baby's life, when you will have to change them frequently.
Another alternative for parents who want an option with storage for their cot is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. The cot is modern with a two-tone design and is intended to be used from birth up to around four years old. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by the removal of the side panel. It also has an infant cot bed rail. A range of under-cot storage drawers are available for this model as well.
Browse the Pram Centre's collection of mini cot beds to see our amazing designs. We offer a wide range of options from the top brands such as Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also have a broad selection of nursery furniture that will make your cot look more attractive and create a perfect sleeping space for your child.