Mini Cot Beds
If you're planning to furnish an area that is smaller or want an alternative to a traditional cot, mini cribs are a great alternative. These are designed to last up to four years old. They come in a wide variety of colours and styles.
The comfy bed from Boori was a big hit with our mum testers. It's simple to build, looks beautiful and has many extra features, like teething rails as well as storage drawers.
Style & Design
It can be easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features when choosing your baby's cot but don't forget about the design. You want something that's fashionable and will fit in with your nursery, no matter if you have a modern or traditional setup.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed, our top pick for this category, is a beautiful piece that's easy to assemble and looks stunning in any room. It is also very sturdy and the only cot we tested that we believed would be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars make it easy to clean since there aren't any crevices or nooks where dust could accumulate. The base that is lower is great for infants. As your baby becomes more active, you can lower it even further to keep them from climbing out, while the teething rails will keep them safe from sharp teeth.
Another stunning piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a beautiful sleigh-style cot that's suitable from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed using an extension kit (sold separately). The three height options will keep your little one at ease throughout their development, however the time-consuming assembly process may turn off some. It's also costly, but it's worth the extra investment if you're looking for an iconic design that will last for many years to be. Gemma is the mother of Boden, aged 13 months.
Durability
When it comes to purchasing a mini cot bed, quality is key as this will be a piece of furniture that will last the toddler years too. 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 design and style, innovative technology, comfort and conversion and storage as well as additional features to aid you in making the right choice for your family.
We have the perfect cot bed for your nursery decor whether you're looking for something classy or contemporary. We've picked a range of styles and finishes that can meet all budgets and tastes. From best rated cribs and practical, to lavish and expensive. We have even looked at a variety of convertible cot beds, so that you can get great value for your money and enjoy 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 top quality and was crafted with precision to ensure durability and longevity. Our MFM test subject Grace found it easy to put together and the packaging was constructed to ensure that there are no parts left over. The cot does come with a mattress, but you'll have to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Designed with efficiency in mind, many mini cots come with innovative design features that optimise space and function. For instance, certain models have a built-in diaper change station, which makes it much easier to change your baby. This can improve the comfort of both of you and your baby when changing diapers and also makes it safer by keeping all essential supplies at hand.
Other unique designs include a crib with an integrated trundle to provide additional storage or a cot which can fold down into a compact unit. These compact designs are ideal in homes with a limited space or in homes where the nursery also functions as an additional bedroom. Some models also convert into a sofa, offering an additional level of flexibility and function for your growing child.
Most mini cots are designed with safety in mind. They are equipped with features such as safety rails on the sides, non-toxic finishes and more. This ensures that they are secure and comfortable throughout their first years.
Obaby Nika is a modern high-end cot bed that has exceptional safety features as well as a chic design. This cot is a little smaller than its larger counterpart, but it's not sacrificing the functionality, offering three mattress bases to accommodate your growing child and even teething rails. Additionally, our reviewer noted that it easy to set up and move around the room once complete, while its unique oval shape means it is able to fit into doors that have standard frames, a major plus for time-stretched parents.
Comfort
When you are preparing your baby's nursery, it's easy to get caught-up in the safety and spec features. But it is equally important to consider comfort. If your little one will be spending much of their time in their cot it is essential that they are secure and comfortable.
This is particularly crucial when you're thinking of using the mini cot as an alternative to a Moses basket. It is recommended that babies should be with their parents for the first six months. A comfortable, cozy 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 seeking a high-end cot that fits in a small space but will still give ample space for your baby to grow into a toddler. It's not cheap, but it does come with a one-year warranty and provides a great value for money since it can be used from birth right up to toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if you are looking for a cot that has added features like teething bars, a drawer and two adjustable positions. Our test subject Jill was able to build and she was impressed by the way that it fitted through standard door frames. You'll need to purchase an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are made to last longer than standard cots, ensuring your child with the bed they need from birth until toddlerhood. This makes cots a better choice than cribs. They're also an economical option, as you don't have to purchase a brand new bed for your child when they are no longer in it.
Some cots and cot beds can also grow with your child's. They can be turned into junior beds or small sofas. Stokke Sleepi, for example, can be used until age 2 if you purchase an additional mattress extender as well as a junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's simple to install and looks fantastic in any nursery. However, you will require a fitted sheet for a cot-bed rather than a crib as the gaps are quite wide.
Try the Obaby Nika Mini Cot Bed that is suitable for babies up to four years old age. It's small and has modern design and style with a wood-textured finish. It has three mattress base positions for your baby's growing needs, as well as teething rails to safeguard the baby from harm.
At Pram Centre, you'll find various fashionable and modern cots that will create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our collection includes a range of unique designs from renowned brands like Mamas & Papas and Obaby, including many with adjustable features that can change as your baby grows. You can also purchase a variety of extras to help keep your baby secure and comfortable, such as a padded toddler guard to keep them from falling out or a breathable fitted cot mattress to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a mom-to-be looking for a cot bed that will last long after your little one has outgrown it, think about buying a design that converts into a toddler bed. This will help you save money on separate toddler furniture, and aid your child in making the transition from cot to bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot by Silver Cross is a good example of a compact bed with built-in storage. It is possible to store bedding nappies, cots, and sleepsuits in a neatly laid out way. This is a great feature for the early months of your baby's development when you will have to change them regularly.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another great option for parents looking for a cot which has storage. The cot is modern with a two-tone design and is intended to be used from birth up to approximately four years old. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by removing one side panel and also includes an infant rail. The model also comes with a range of under-cot drawers.
Explore the Pram Centre's selection of mini cot beds to see our stunning designs. We have a variety of choices from top 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 sleeping space for your baby.