Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds can be a great 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 and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Our mum testers loved this comfy crib bed from Boori. It's simple to put together, looks beautiful and has numerous additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers.
Style & Design
It can be easy to become caught up in the specifications and safety features when you are choosing a crib for your baby but remember the style. You want a cot that is elegant and blends into your nursery, regardless whether it's a modern or traditional arrangement.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed Our top pick in this category, is a gorgeous piece that's easy to build 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 stand the test of time. The narrow bars mean there are no nooks and 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 even further to stop them from climbing out, while the teething rails keep them safe from sharp teeth.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is another beautiful piece. It's a beautiful sleigh-style cot that can be used from the time of birth. An extension kit, sold separately, lets it be converted into a toddler bed. The three different heights will keep your child comfortable as they grow up, but the arduous assembly process might put some people off. It is also expensive but it is worth it if you want a timeless design which will last for many years. Tested by Gemma mother to Boden, 13 months.
Durability
When purchasing a mini-cot it is essential to consider the quality because the furniture will last well into the toddlerhood. We have tested a variety of cot beds to ensure they are robust and built to last. We also looked at style and design, innovative features, comfort, convertible, storage, and extra features in order to help you select the ideal cot for your family.
We have the best crib bed for your nursery decor whether you're looking for something classic or contemporary. We have chosen a range of styles and finishes to meet the needs of all budgets and tastes from simple and practical to extravagant and expensive. We've tested a variety of convertible cot beds to help you get the best value and use this furniture into your child's toddler years.
We love this elegant solid oak cot by Clair de Lune, which is a double-framed masterpiece designed to be more than a place for your baby to sleep. The wood is of high-end quality and has been crafted precisely to ensure longevity and durability. Our MFM test participant Grace found it easy to put together, and the packaging was designed so that there were no parts left over. The cot does come with a mattress, however you will have to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Many mini cots are designed with efficiency in mind. They have innovative design elements that maximise space and functionality. For example, some models have a built-in diaper change station that makes it easier to change your baby. This can improve the comfort of both of you and your baby while changing diapers and makes it more secure by keeping all the necessary items within reach.
Other innovative 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 work well in homes with limited space, or where the nursery can also be used as an additional bedroom. Some models also convert into a sofa, providing an additional level of flexibility and function for your growing child.
Most mini cots are designed with safety in mind. They have features like safety rails on the sides as well as non-toxic finishes. This ensures that they are safe and secure throughout their first years.
For a premium, modern-looking cot bed that is a masterpiece of design and safety features take a look at the Obaby Nika mini cot. The cot is more compact than its full-sized counterpart, but it doesn't sacrifice the functionality, offering three mattress base positions to accommodate your growing baby, and even teething rails. Our reviewer also found it simple to assemble and then move around the room, once it's all set. Its unique oval shape allows it to fit into standard door frames.
Comfort
It's easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when laying out your baby's nursery, however comfort is also a major factor. If your child will spend the majority of their time in the mini cot they choose, it is important that they feel secure and comfortable.
It's particularly important to consider this when you're thinking of using a Moses basket as an alternative. It's recommended that babies sleep next to their parents for the first six months, so a warm and comfortable cot will ensure they can do that 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 high-end bed for smaller spaces, but one that still allows your baby to grow and develop into a toddler. It's not cheap, but it comes with a 1-year warranty and is a great value for money considering it can be used right up until toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another option to consider if you're looking at an cot with added features like a drawer, teething rails, and two adjustable height positions. Our test participant Jill found it easy to build and she was impressed by the way that it fitted through standard door frames. You will need to buy an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are made to last longer than standard cots, providing your child with the bed they need from birth until toddler years. This makes cots more durable over cribs. They are also a more cost-effective option because you don't have to purchase a new bed for your child when they're old enough to use it.
Some cots or cot beds can also grow with your child. They can be transformed 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 easy and looks great in any nursery. However, you'll need a fitted sheet for a cot-bed rather than a crib because the gaps are quite large.
For a more simple option, try the Obaby Nika mini cot bed suitable from birth until about 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 bases for your baby's growing needs, as well as teething rails that protect them.
Find a selection of stylish and innovative cribs and cots to create a cosy nursery for your child at Pram Centre. Our selection includes a range of custom designs from top brands like Mamas & Papas, Obaby and many more. Many have adjustable features that can be changed to suit your baby's growth. You can also purchase extras that will keep your baby snug and safe, such as a toddler-friendly padded guard to stop them from falling out of the crib or a cot mattress that is fitted with breathable material to promote healthy sleep habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a mom-to-be looking for a cot that will last long after your child has outgrown it, think about buying one that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will help you save money on purchasing separate furniture for your toddler and will help your child get through the transition from sleeping in their cot into their bed.
The Katie mini sleigh cot bed from Silver Cross is an example of a cot that is compact and has built-in storage. This lets you keep any extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits neatly organised. This is a great feature to have during the early years of your baby's life, when you'll need to change them regularly.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another option for parents looking for a cot which has storage. This cot comes with a modern 2-tone appearance and is intended to be used from birth to about four years old. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off one side panel and also includes the toddler rail. It also comes with a range of drawers under the cot.
If you're looking for a mini cot look through the Pram Centre collection to discover our stunning designs. We offer a range of choices from top brands like Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also have a broad range of nursery furniture that will make your cot look more attractive and create a perfect sleeping space for your child.