Mini Cot Beds
If you're planning to furnish a smaller nursery or simply need a different option to a traditional cot, mini cot beds are a great alternative. They are made to last until your child is around four years old. They are available in a variety of styles and colours.
Our mom testers loved this cosy crib bed from Boori. It's easy to assemble, looks stunning and comes with a variety of extra features like teething rails, a storage drawer, and is very elegant.
Style & Design
When choosing a cot for your baby it's easy to get swept up in the safety and spec features. But don't overlook the design. You want a cot that's stylish and will fit into your nursery, regardless whether it's a traditional or modern arrangement.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our best cot beds choice in this category as it's an exquisite piece that's also super-easy to build and looks stunning in the room. It's also extremely sturdy and the only cot that we tried that we felt could last the test. The narrow bars allow for easy cleaning, as there are no crevices or nooks where dust can accumulate. As your Baby Cot Bed grows and develops, you can lower the base further to stop them from climbing out. The teething rails will guard 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 height options will keep your baby comfortable as they grow but the fiddly assembly process could put off some. It is also expensive, but 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 you are buying a mini-cot it is essential to consider the quality since the furniture will last well into the age of toddlerhood. We have tested a variety of cribs to ensure they are robust and built to last. We have also looked at the design and style, as well as innovative technology, comfort and conversion and storage and extra features to help you make the right choice for your family.
If you're looking for an elegant solution or something with a more modern twist we have the most suitable cot beds to suit your nursery's decor. We have selected a variety of styles and finishes that will suit every budget and taste. From basic and practical, to extravagant and expensive. We've tested several convertible cot beds to help you get the most value for money and make use of this furniture up to your child's toddler years.
We love this elegant solid oak cot from Clair de Lune It is a double-framed masterpiece designed to be more than an area for your baby to sleep. The wood is of top quality and has been crafted with care to ensure durability and longevity. Our MFM test participant Grace found it easy to assemble and the packaging was carefully designed so that there were no leftover parts. However, it's important to know that this cot doesn't come with a mattress and you will need to purchase one separately.
Innovation
With efficiency in mind, many mini cot beds come with innovative design features that optimize space and efficiency. Some models come with a built-in changing station to help you to change your baby. This enhances the comfort of both you and your child during the diaper-changing process. It also makes it safer as all the essential items are easily accessible.
Other innovative designs include cribs that fold to make a smaller unit or a crib with a built-in trundle drawer for additional storage space. These compact designs work well in homes with a limited space or in homes where the nursery can also be used as an additional bedroom. Some models also convert into a sofa, giving an additional level of flexibility and function for your growing child.
In terms of safety, the majority of mini cots are designed to protect your child's safety with features like secure side rails and non-toxic finishes. This ensures that they are safe and comfortable throughout their first years.
Obaby Nika is a modern premium cot bed that has exceptional safety features as well as a chic design. This cot is a little more compact than its full-sized counterpart, but it's not sacrificing features, with three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby, and even teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to put together, and then move around the room once it's all set. Its unique oval shape makes it possible to fit into doors that have standard frames.
Comfort
When you are preparing your baby's nursery, it is easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features. But, comfort is equally important. If your child will be spending much of the time in the crib they pick it is essential that they are safe and comfortable.
This is particularly important when you're thinking of using a mini cot as an alternative to the traditional Moses basket. It is recommended that babies sleep with their parents during the first six months. A cosy, comfortable crib will allow them to do this while still being close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a ideal choice if you're looking for a premium cheap cot bed that fits in a small space but will still give plenty of room for your baby to develop into a toddler. It's not expensive, but it comes with a one-year warranty and is a fantastic value for money considering you can use it through toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another good option to consider if you're looking at an cot with added features like a drawer, teething rails and two height settings that can be adjusted. It was easy to assemble and Jill loved how it fit through standard door frames. You'll need to purchase an oval mattress separately.
Convertability
Cot beds are made to last longer than standard cots, providing your child with the bed they need from birth to toddler years. This is why cots are better than cribs. They also are an economical option since you don't need to purchase a new bed for your child once they are no longer in it.
Some cots and cot for sale beds are designed to grow with your child, transforming into junior beds or even small sofa beds. The Stokke Sleepi for example can be used up to age 2 and beyond with the purchase of the junior conversion kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It's simple to put together and looks lovely in any nursery, although you'll need a fitted sheet that fits the cot bed, not a cot because the gaps between the bars are quite large.
For a more simple alternative, consider the Obaby Nika mini cot bed suitable from birth until about four years old. It's compact and offers a modern nursery look with a textured oak effect finish. It has three mattress positions to fit your growing baby and teething rails to protect your baby.
Explore a variety of modern and stylish cribs and cots to create a warm and cozy nursery for your little one at Pram Centre. Our collection offers a variety of bespoke designs by leading brands such as Mamas & Papas, Obaby and a host of others. Many of them come with adjustable features that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's needs. You can also pick up various accessories to help keep your baby safe and comfortable, such as a padded toddler guard to stop them from falling out, or a breathable fitted cot mattress that promotes healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a parent-to-be shopping for a Cot Bed (Qooh says) that will last long after your child has grown out of it, think about getting one that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will save you money purchasing separate furniture for toddlers and will help your child to get through the transition from their cot to a bed.
The Katie mini sleigh cot bed from Silver Cross is an example of a compact cot with built-in storage. You can keep extra bedding, nappies, and sleepsuits in a neatly arranged in a neat and tidy manner. This is a great feature to have during the early years of your baby's development when you'll need to change them often.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another option for parents who are looking for a cot that includes storage. This cot is made to be used from birth until approximately four years old. It comes with a two-tone appearance. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side panel. It also comes with an infant rail. This model is also available with a range of drawers under the cot.
If you're in the market for a mini cot bed, browse the Pram Centre collection to discover the stunning designs available. We have a variety of options from leading brands such as Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also stock a range of nursery furniture to match your crib bed and create the ideal sleep space for your baby.