Mini Cot Beds
If you're kitting out a smaller nursery or simply require a different design to a traditional cot bed, mini cot beds are a great alternative. They are made to last up until your child is around four years old. They come in a variety of colors and styles.
Our mum testers were enthralled by this cosy crib bed from Boori. It's easy to assemble, looks beautiful and has numerous extra features, including teething rails as well as storage drawers.
Style & Design
When choosing a cot for your baby, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specification features. But don't overlook the style. You want a cot that is elegant and blends with your nursery regardless of whether it's 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 great in any room. It's also extremely sturdy and the only cot we tried that we felt could stand the test time. The narrow bars allow for easy cleaning because there are no crevices or nooks where dust could accumulate. As your baby grows, you can lower the base to stop them from climbing out. The teething rails will protect them from their sharp teeth.
Another beautiful piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a gorgeous sleigh-style cot that's ideal from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed with an extension kit (sold separately). The three different heights will keep your child content as they grow up, but the fiddly assembling process may cause some to be hesitant. It's expensive, but worth the extra cost if you're looking for a timeless design that will last for years to be. Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months.
Durability
When you are looking to purchase the smallest cot bed, quality is key as this will be an item of furniture that will last through the toddler years too. We have tested a wide range of cot beds to ensure that they have the best quality of durability and are built to last. We also looked at design and style, ingenuity features, comfort, convertible storage, and other features in order to help you choose the best cot bed for your family.
Whether you are looking for an elegant solution or one with a more modern twist we have uncovered the top crib beds that will fit the decor of your nursery. We've picked a range of styles and finishes that can meet every budget and taste. From simple and practical, to lavish and expensive. We've even tried a couple of convertible cot beds so that you get the best value for money and use this piece of furniture into your child's toddler years.
We love this elegant solid oak cot from 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 has been made with care to ensure long-lasting and durable. Grace is our MFM test subject found the assembly to be easy and the packaging was designed to ensure no parts were left in the dust. This cot does come with a mattress, however you will have to purchase it separately.
Innovation
With efficiency in mind. Many mini cot beds come with innovative design features that optimize space and function. Some models come with a built-in changing station to make it easier for you to change your Baby Cot. This can improve the comfort of both you and your baby when changing diapers, while also making it safer by keeping all the essential supplies at hand.
Other unique designs include a crib that has an integrated trundle to provide additional storage or a cot which can fold down into a compact unit. These compact designs are a great choice for homes with tight spaces or where the nursery doubles as a bedroom. Some models also convert into a sofa, giving even more flexibility and function for your growing child.
In terms of safety, the majority of mini cots to tots are designed to protect your child's wellbeing with features like secure side rails and non-toxic finishes. This ensures that they are safe and comfortable throughout their early years.
Obaby Nika is a modern, premium cot bed that has exceptional safety features and a fashionable design. This cot is smaller than the full-sized version however it doesn't compromise functionality. It comes with three mattress bases for your growing baby, as well as teething rails. Our reviewer also found it easy to set up and move around the room after it was complete, while its unique oval shape means it is able to fit into standard door frames, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents.
Comfort
It's easy to become caught up in the details of spec and safety features when kitting out your baby's nursery, but comfort is also a major factor. If your child will spend a great deal of time in the mini cot bed they choose it is essential to ensure that they are safe and comfortable.
It's especially important to consider this when you're thinking of using a Moses basket instead. It is recommended that babies rest close to their parents for the first six months, so a cozy and comfortable sale cot can allow them to do this 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 smaller spaces, yet one that will allow your baby to grow and develop into a toddler. It's not cheap, but it does come with a one-year guarantee and is a great value for money since you can use it from birth until toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is a good alternative when you're looking for an cot with added extras like a handy drawer, teething rails and two adjustable height positions. Our test participant Jill was able to put together and loved how it fits into standard door frames. But, keep in mind that you'll need to purchase sheets and a mattress separately.
Convertability
Cot beds will last longer than cribs that are standard and give your child a bed from birth to toddlerhood. This makes cot beds more popular option than a crib and can be a cost-effective investment as you won't need to buy a brand new bed for your child once they get out of it.
Some cots and cot beds are also designed to adapt to the needs of your child, and transform into junior beds or even small sofa beds. The Stokke Sleepi for example can be used up to age 2 and beyond with the purchase of an upgrade kit for juniors and a mattress extender (sold separately). It's simple and looks great in any nursery. However, you will require a fitted sheet to make a cot-bed rather than a crib because the gaps are quite big.
If you're looking for a less complicated alternative, consider the Obaby Nika mini cot bed that is suitable from birth to about four years old. It's compact and has a modern nursery feel with a smooth finish in oak. It comes with three mattress positions to accommodate your baby's growing needs, as well as teething rails that protect the baby from harm.
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 number of bespoke designs from leading brands such as Mamas & Papas and Obaby, including many with adjustable features that can be changed as your baby grows. You can also find various other accessories to keep your baby safe and comfortable, like a padded toddler guard to keep 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 that will last long after your child has grown out of it, think about buying an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will help you save money on separate furniture for toddlers and aid your child in making the transition from crib to a bed.
The Katie mini Sleigh cot from Silver Cross is an example of a cot that is compact and has built-in storage. It is possible to store bedding nappies, sleepsuits, and other bedding in a neatly organized manner. This is a fantastic feature to have during the early years of your baby's life, when you will have to change them regularly.
Another alternative for parents who want an option with storage for their cot is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. This cot is made for use from birth until around four years old. It features a two-tone look. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by cutting off one side panel, and includes a toddler rail. This model is also available with a variety of drawers under the cot.
Explore the Pram Centre's selection of mini cot beds to see our amazing designs. We offer a wide range of options from leading brands such as Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also carry a variety of nursery furniture to complement your crib bed and create the perfect sleeping space for your child.