Mini Cot Beds
If you're planning to furnish your nursery in a smaller space or need a different option to a traditional cot bed mini cot beds are a great alternative. They are made to last until your child is four years old. They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Our mum testers loved this comfy baby cot from Boori. It's easy-to-assemble, looks great, and has many extra features, including teething rails, a storage drawer and is elegant.
Style and Design
It can be easy to become caught up in the spec and safety features when selecting a cot for your baby, but don't forget the design. You want something that's stylish and will suit your nursery, no matter if you have a traditional or modern setup.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our top pick in this category because it's an exquisite piece that's super-easy to put together and looks great in the room. It is also very sturdy and the only cot we tested we felt would be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars mean there aren't any nooks or crevices for dust to accumulate in, making cleaning as simple as possible. The lower base is ideal for newborns and, as your baby grows more active you can lower it further to stop them from climbing out, while the teething rails will keep them safe from their sharp teeth.
top rated cots is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a stunning sleigh-style cot which is suitable from birth and can be transformed into a bed for toddlers using an extension kit (sold separately). The three different heights will ensure your child is comfortable as they grow but the fiddly assembly process might turn off some. It's also expensive but it is worth it if you're looking for a timeless design which will last for a long time. Tested by Gemma mother to Boden 13 months old.
Durability
When buying a mini-cot bed it is crucial to choose a high-quality product because the furniture will last for a long time into the age of toddlerhood. We have tested a wide selection of cot beds in order to ensure that they offer the best quality of durability and are built to last. We also have looked at style and design, innovation, comfort and convertability and storage and extra features to help you make the right choice for your family.
Whether you are seeking a stylish solution or something with an edgier twist, we have uncovered the top crib beds that will fit the decor of your nursery. We have selected a variety of designs and finishes that can meet every budget and taste. From basic and practical, to extravagant and expensive. We've also looked at a variety of convertible cot beds so that you can get great value for money and utilize this piece of furniture into the toddler years of your child.
We love this elegant solid oak cot by Clair de Lune, which is a double-framed masterpiece that has been designed to be more than just an area for your baby to sleep. The wood is of the highest quality and is precisely crafted to ensure durability and longevity. Grace is our MFM tester was able to put it together easily and the packaging was designed to ensure that there were no pieces left in the dust. This cot does come with a mattress, however you'll need to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Created with efficiency in mind. Many mini cot beds come with innovative design features that maximize space and efficiency. For instance, some models come with an integrated diaper changing station that makes it simpler to change your baby. This increases the comfort of both you and your child during the diaper-changing process. It also makes it safer because all the necessary items are easily accessible.
Other designs that are innovative include cribs that fold into a small unit or a crib that has an integrated trundle drawer to provide extra storage space. These compact designs work well in homes with a limited space, or where the nursery is also used as an additional bedroom. Some models can also convert into a sofa, offering 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 few years.
Obaby Nika is a modern high-end cot bed with exceptional safety features and a fashionable design. It's a bit smaller than its full-sized counterpart, but it doesn't sacrifice the functionality, offering three mattress positions to accommodate your growing child and even teething rails. Moreover, our reviewer found it easy to set up and move around the room when complete, while its unique oval shape means it can easily fit through standard door frames, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents.
Comfort
It can be easy to become caught up in the details of spec and safety features when kitting out your baby's nursery but comfort is equally important. If your little one will spend a lot of time in their cot, they need to be secure and comfortable.
This is particularly crucial in the event that you're considering mini cots as an alternative to a Moses basket. It is recommended that infants be with their parents for the first six months. A cozy, comfortable crib can allow them to do this while being close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed will be an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium bed for small spaces yet one that will allow your baby to grow and develop into toddlerhood. It's not cheap, but it does come with a one-year guarantee and provides a great value for money since you can use it from birth to toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another good option to consider if you're looking at a cot that has added additional features such as a handy drawer, teething rails, and two height positions that can be adjusted. Our test subject Jill was able to put together and loved the way it fit through door frames that are standard. You'll need an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are designed to last longer than standard cots, providing your child with the bed they require from birth until the age of toddlers. This longevity makes cot beds more popular choice than a crib and is a cost-effective investment as you won't need to buy a new baby bed for your child when they outgrow it.
Some cots and cot beds are designed to grow with your child, transforming into junior beds or even small sofa beds. Stokke Sleepi, for example, can be used until age 2 if you purchase an additional mattress extender and junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's simple and looks great in any nursery. However, you'll require a fitted sheet to make an cot-bed instead of a crib because the gaps are quite large.
Try the Obaby Nika Mini Cot Bed that is suitable for children from birth up to four years of age. It's compact and provides an elegant look for your nursery with a textured oak finish. It includes three mattress base positions to suit your growing baby and teething rails to protect your baby.
At Pram Centre, you'll find a variety of fashionable and modern cots that will create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our collection includes a variety of unique designs from leading brands such as Mamas & Papas, Obaby and a host of others. A lot of them have adjustable features that can be adjusted to meet the needs of your baby's development. You can also purchase various accessories to keep your baby safe and comfortable, such as a padded toddler guard to stop them from falling out, or a ventilated fitted cot mattress to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a new parent looking for a cot that will last for a long time after your child has outgrown it, consider opting for an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will save you money on separate toddler furniture, and aid your child in making the transition from cot to bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot from Silver Cross is a fantastic example of a bed that is compact with storage built-in. This allows you to keep nappies, bedding and sleepsuits neatly organized. This is a great feature to have for your baby's early months when you will be changing your baby's clothes frequently.
Another option for parents who are looking for an cot that has storage is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. This cot is designed for use from birth until approximately four years old. It comes with a two-tone design. It can be made into a bed for a toddler by removing a side panel. It also comes with an infant rail. A range of under-cot storage drawers are available for this model as well.
If you're shopping for a mini cot, browse the Pram Centre collection to discover our selection of stunning designs. We have options from top brands such as Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to match every nursery. We also stock a range of nursery furniture that will complement your crib bed and create the ideal sleeping space for your child.