Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds can be an ideal alternative to traditional cots especially when you have smaller children's rooms. These are designed to last until your child is around four years old. They are available in a range of colors and styles.
The comfy Cot-bed from Boori was a huge hit with our mum testers. It's simple to put together it looks stunning and comes with many additional features, such as teething rails as well as an storage drawer.
Style & Design
It's easy to become caught up in the safety and specifications when choosing your baby's cot but don't forget the design. You want a cot that is fashionable and will blend in with your nursery, regardless of whether it's a traditional or modern configuration.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed Our top pick in this category, is a gorgeous piece that is easy to put together and looks stunning in any room. It's also super-sturdy and is the only cot we have tested that we believe will be able to endure the test of time. The narrow bars make it easy to clean since there aren't any places where dust can collect. As your baby grows and develops, you can lower the base to stop them from climbing out. The teething rails shield 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 using an extension kit (sold separately). The three height positions will keep your baby comfortable as they grow but the arduous assembly process might turn off some. It's also expensive, but worth it if you want a timeless design which will last for many years. Tested by: Gemma mom to Boden, 13 months.
Durability
When purchasing a mini-cot, the quality is important as the furniture will last well into the age of toddlerhood. We have tested a wide selection of cot beds to ensure that they offer the highest levels of durability and are built to last. We have also considered the design and style, as well as the latest innovations, comfort and convertability and storage and extra features to assist you in making the best choice for your family.
If you're looking for an elegant solution or one with a more modern twist we have uncovered the top cot beds to suit your nursery decor. We have selected a variety of styles and finishes that can meet all budgets and tastes. From simple and practical, to lavish and expensive. We have tested several convertible cot-beds to ensure you get the best value and use the furniture until your child's toddler years.
This beautiful solid oak cot from Clair de Lune is an exquisite double-framed piece that's designed to be much more than just a place to sleep your baby. The wood is of premium quality and was crafted with care to ensure long-lasting and durable. Grace the MFM tester, found the assembly easy and the packaging was designed to ensure there were no pieces left in the dust. However, it's important to know that this cot does not come with a mattress and you will need to purchase one separately.
Innovation
Many mini cots are designed with efficiency in mind. They are designed with innovative elements that maximise the space and efficiency. For instance, some models have a built-in diaper changing station that makes it easier to change your baby. This improves the comfort of both of you and your baby while changing diapers and also makes it safer by keeping all the essential supplies at hand.
Other innovative designs include a crib with a built-in trundle for extra storage, or a cot that can fold down into a compact unit. These compact designs are ideal in homes with a limited space or 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, most mini cot beds are designed to ensure your child's health and wellbeing by providing features like side rails that are secure and non-toxic finishes. This will ensure that they are safe and comfortable throughout their first years.
Obaby Nika is a modern premium cot bed with exceptional safety features and a fashionable design. This cot is smaller than the full-sized version however it doesn't compromise its functionality. It comes with three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby and teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to put together, and then move around the room, once completed. Its unique oval shape allows it to fit into doors with standard frames.
Comfort
It's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features when laying out your baby's nursery but comfort is also key. If your child is going to spend the majority of their time in the cot they choose it is essential to ensure that they are safe and comfortable.
This is especially important when you're thinking of using the mini cot as an alternative to the traditional Moses basket. It is recommended that babies rest with their parents during the first six months, so a warm, comfortable cot will allow them to do this 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 cheap, but it comes with a one-year warranty and provides a good value for money when you consider that you can use it up until toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if are seeking a cot with added features like teething bars, a drawer and two positions 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 through door frames that are standard. You will need to buy an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds will last longer than standard cribs and provide your child with a bed from birth to toddlerhood. This makes cots more durable over cribs. They're also an economical option because you don't have to buy a brand new bed for your child after they're old enough to use it.
Some cots and cot beds are also designed to grow with your child, and transform into junior beds or 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 install and looks fantastic in any nursery. However, you'll require a fitted sheet for a cot-bed rather than a crib as the gaps are quite large.
Try the Obaby Nika Mini Cot Bed, which is suitable for children from birth up to four years of age. It's compact and offers modern design and style with a textured oak effect finish. It has three mattress base positions for your growing baby, and teething rails to protect the baby from harm.
At Pram Centre, you'll find a variety of stylish and innovative cots to create a comfortable nursery for your child. Our selection includes a variety of bespoke designs from leading brands such as Mamas & Papas and Obaby as well as a number of cots with adjustable features that can be changed as your baby grows. You can also purchase additional accessories to keep your baby snug and safe, such as a padded guard for toddlers to stop them from falling out of the crib or an upholstered cot mattress made of breathable material to promote healthy sleep habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a new parent looking for a cot bed that will last long after your little one has outgrown it, think about getting an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will help you save money on buying separate toddler furniture and will allow your child get through the transition from their cot into their bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot from Silver Cross is a great example of a bed that is compact with built-in storage. This allows you to keep nappies, bedding and sleepsuits neatly organised. This is a useful feature to have in your baby's first few months, as you'll be changing the diapers frequently.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another option for parents looking for a cot that comes with storage. It is designed for use from birth to approximately four years old. It features a two-tone look. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel and comes with a toddler rail. A variety of storage drawers are available for this model as well.
If you're shopping for a mini cot bed, browse the Pram Centre collection to discover our stunning designs. We offer a variety of top brands such as Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to suit every nursery. We also have a broad range of nursery furniture that will make your cot look more attractive and create the perfect sleeping environment for your child.