Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds are an ideal alternative to traditional cots particularly if you have a smaller nursery. These beds are made to be used until your child reaches the age of four. They are available in a variety of colors and styles.
Our mum testers loved this cozy cot bed from Boori. It's simple to build and looks gorgeous. It also has plenty of extra features, like teething rails as well as an storage drawer.
Style and Design
It can be 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 stylish and will fit into your nursery, regardless whether it's a traditional or modern configuration.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our top pick in this category as it's a gorgeous piece that's easy to put together and looks great in the 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 since there aren't any places where dust could accumulate. The base that is lower is great for newborns and, as your baby gets more active you can lower it to stop them from falling out, while the teething rails will keep them safe from their sharp teeth.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is another beautiful piece. It's a gorgeous sleigh style cot that can be used from birth. An extension kit, which is sold separately, allows it to be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The three height positions keep your child content as they grow, however the fiddly assembling process may put some people off. It's expensive, but worth the extra investment if you're looking for a timeless design that will last for many years to come. Tested by Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months.
Durability
When you are buying a mini-cot, the quality is important since this piece of furniture will last well into toddlerhood. We have tested a broad selection of cot beds in order to ensure they provide the highest quality of durability and are built to last. We also considered style and design, innovative features, comfort, convertibility storage, and other features in order to help you choose the right cot bed for your family.
If you're looking for an elegant solution or one with an edgier twist, we have the most suitable crib beds that will fit your nursery decor. We have selected a variety of styles and finishes that can meet all budgets and tastes. From basic and practical, to luxurious and expensive. We've even tested a few convertible cot beds, so that you get the best cot beds value for your money and enjoy this piece of furniture well into the toddler years of your child.
This beautiful solid oak cot from Clair de Lune is an exquisite double-framed piece that's designed to be more than just a place to sleep your baby. The wood is of top quality and has been made with precision to ensure long-lasting and durable. Our MFM test participant Grace found it easy to assemble and the packaging was constructed to ensure that there are no parts left over. This cot does come with a mattress, but you'll have to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Created with efficiency in mind, a lot of mini cot beds feature innovative design features that maximize space and function. 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 is also safer since all the essential items are within reach.
Other unique designs include a crib sets with an integrated trundle to provide additional storage or a cot which can fold down into a compact unit. These compact designs are a great choice for tight spaces and homes 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, most mini cot beds are designed to ensure your child's safety with features like side rails with safety and non-toxic finishes. This ensures that they stay secure and comfortable throughout their early years.
If you're looking for a stylish, modern crib bed with a stunning design and safety features take a look at the Obaby Nika mini cot. It is smaller than its larger counterpart however it doesn't compromise the functionality. It has three mattress bases for your growing baby as well as teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to assemble and move around the room after it's been assembled. Its unique oval shape makes it possible to fit into doors that have standard 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 spend much of the time in the mini cot bed they choose, it is important that they feel comfortable and safe.
This is particularly important in the event that you're considering mini cots as an alternative to the traditional Moses basket. It is recommended that babies be with their parents for the first six months. A cosy, comfortable crib allows them to do this 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 premium bed for small spaces but one that still allows your baby to grow and develop into toddlerhood. It's not inexpensive but it comes with a 1-year warranty and is a great value for money when you consider that you can use it through toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if you are looking for a cot with added features like teething bars, a drawer and two positions that are adjustable. Our tester Jill found it a doddle to put together, and she loved the way it fit through standard door frames. You'll need an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds will last longer than standard cribs and give your child an appropriate bed from birth until toddlerhood. This makes cots a better choice over cribs. They also are more affordable since you don't need to purchase a brand new bed for your child once they are no longer in it.
Some cots and cot beds are designed to grow with your child, turning into junior beds or even small sofa beds. Stokke Sleepi, for example, can be used until age 2 when you purchase an additional mattress extender and junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's simple to construct and looks gorgeous in any nursery, although you will need to use an appropriate fitted sheet that will fit a cot bed rather than a cot since the gaps between the bars are large.
For a more simple alternative, consider the Obaby Nika mini cot bed that is suitable from birth to around four years old. It's compact and provides an elegant look for your nursery with a textured oak effect finish. It comes with three mattress base positions to suit your growing baby and teething rails that protect.
At Pram Centre, you'll find various modern and stylish cots to create a comfortable nursery for your child. Our collection includes a range of bespoke designs from leading brands such as Mamas & Papas and Obaby and includes a variety of adjustable features that can change as your baby grows. You can also buy additional items to keep your baby snug and safe, like a padded guard for toddlers to stop them from falling out of the cot, or a fitted cheap cot beds mattress with the ability to breathe, which can help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a new parent looking for a cot bed that will last for a long time after your little one has grown out of it, think about getting an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will save you money on separate furniture for toddlers, and help your child make the transition from cot to bed.
The Katie mini sleigh cot bed from Silver Cross is an example of a compact cot that has built-in storage. This allows you to keep extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits neatly organised. This is an important feature to have in your baby's early months when you'll need to change the diapers frequently.
Another alternative for parents who want a cot with storage is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. This cot comes with a modern two-tone design and is intended to be used from birth up to around four years old. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by cutting off one side panel, and comes with an infant rail. The model can also be fitted with a range of drawers under the cot.
Browse the Pram Centre's collection of mini cots offers to see our stunning designs. We offer a wide range of choices from top brands such as Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also have a wide selection of nursery furniture that can make your cot look more attractive and create the perfect sleeping environment for your child.