If you're kitting out your nursery in a smaller space or want an alternative to a traditional cot bed mini cot beds are a great option. They are made to last until your child reaches the age of four and come in many different colours and styles.
Our mum testers loved this comfy 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's easy to get caught up in safety and specifications when choosing your baby's cot but don't forget the design. You want a cot that is stylish and will fit into your nursery, regardless whether it's a traditional or modern setup.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our top choice in this category as it's a gorgeous piece that's super-easy to put together and looks great in the room. It's also super-sturdy and is the only cot we've have tested that we believe will stand the test of time. The bars are narrow, which means there are no nooks and crevices to collect dust and make cleaning as simple as possible. The lowered base is great for babies and, as your baby gets more active you can lower it even further to keep them from getting out, and the teething rails keep them safe 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 options will keep your little one at ease as they grow, but the fiddly assembly process could put off some. It's expensive, but worth the investment when you're looking for an iconic design that will last for years to be. Tested by Gemma mother to Boden, 13 months.
Durability
When it comes to purchasing a mini cot bed, it is essential to choose a high-quality product because it will be a piece of furniture that will last through the toddler years as well. We have tested numerous cot beds in order to make sure they're sturdy and durable. They are built to last. We also looked at the design and style, innovative features, comfort, convertibility storage, and other features in order to help you choose the right cot bed for your family.
We have the perfect crib bed for your nursery decor whether you're looking for something elegant or contemporary. We have chosen a range of styles and finishes to fit all budgets and tastes from simple and practical to luxury and expensive. We have tested several convertible cot beds to help you get the most value for money and use the furniture until your child's toddler years.
This gorgeous solid oak cot from Clair de Lune is double-framed masterpiece designed to be much more than just a place to sleep for your child. The wood is of the highest quality and was crafted with precision to ensure durability and long-lasting. Grace, our MFM tester, found the assembly easy and the packaging was designed to ensure no parts were left in the dust. The 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 optimise space and functionality. Some models include an integrated changing station to facilitate your ability to change your baby. This can improve the comfort of both your baby and you while changing diapers and also makes it safer by keeping all the necessary supplies within reach.
Other innovative designs include a crib that has an integrated trundle to provide additional storage, or a cot that folds into a small 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 can be converted into a couch, giving your child even 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 they remain safe and comfortable throughout their first years.Obaby Nika is a modern premium cot bed with exceptional safety features and a fashionable design. The cot is smaller 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 easy to put together, and then move around the room, once completed. Its unique oval shape allows it to fit into standard door frames.
Comfort
When you are planning your baby's nursery, it's easy to get caught-up on safety and spec features. But, comfort is equally important. If your baby will spend a lot of time in their mini cot bed and crib, they must be secure and comfortable.
This is particularly crucial in the event that you're considering a mini cot as an alternative to a Moses basket. It's recommended that babies sleep next to their parents for the first six months, so a cosy and comfortable cot will ensure they can do that while remaining close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed will be an ideal choice if are looking for a top quality bed for small spaces, yet one that will allow your baby to develop and grow into a toddler. It's not cheap but it comes with a one-year warranty and is a great value for money seeing as you can use it from birth to the age of toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if you are seeking a cot with additional features such as a drawer, teething bars and two adjustable positions. It was easy to put together and Jill was impressed with how it fitted through door frames that are standard. But keep in mind that you'll need to purchase sheets and an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are made to last longer than standard cots. They provide your child with the bed they require from birth to toddlerhood. This makes cot beds more popular choice than cribs and can be a more cost-effective investment since you won't have to buy a new baby bed for your child when they outgrow it.
Some cots and cot beds are also designed to grow with your child, transforming into junior beds or small sofa beds. The Stokke Sleepi for example can be used until age 2 and beyond by purchasing the junior conversion kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It's simple to put together and looks lovely in any nursery. However, you'll need an appropriate fitted sheet that will fit a cot bed rather than a cot because the gaps between the bars are quite large.
Try the Obaby Nika Mini Cot Bed, which is suitable for babies up to four years old age. It's small and has a contemporary nursery look with a smooth finish in oak. It has three mattress bases for your baby's growing needs, as well as teething rails to safeguard them.
At Pram Centre, you'll find various fashionable and modern cots that will create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our collection offers a variety of custom designs from top brands like Mamas & Papas, Obaby and a host of others. Many have adjustable features that can be changed to suit your baby's growth. You can also pick up various accessories to help keep your baby safe and comfortable, including a padded toddler guard to stop them from falling out, or a breathable fitted cot mattress to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a new parent looking for a cot bed that will last long after your child has outgrown it, consider opting for an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will save money on separate furniture for toddlers, and help your child make the transition from their crib to a 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 in order. This is a great feature for the first few months of your baby's life, when you will need to change them regularly.
Another great option for parents looking for an cot that has storage is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. This cot comes with a modern 2-tone look and is intended to be used from birth to approximately four years old. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel and comes with a toddler rail. This model can also be fitted with a range of drawers for under-cots.
If you're looking for a mini cot bed, browse the Pram Centre collection to discover our stunning designs. We have options from leading brands including Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to suit every nursery. We also have a selection of nursery furniture that will complement your cot bed and create the ideal sleep space for your baby.
