Mini Cot Beds
If you're kitting out your nursery in a smaller space or need a different option to a traditional cot mini cribs are a great alternative. They are made to last up until your child is four years old and come in a variety of colors and styles.
The cosy Cot-bed from Boori was a huge hit with our mom testers. It's simple to put together, looks fantastic and has a lot of additional features including teething rails, storage drawers and is elegant.
Style & Design
It's easy to get caught up in safety and specifications when you are choosing a crib for your baby but don't forget about the design. You want a cot that's elegant and blends into your nursery, regardless of whether it's a modern or traditional configuration.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed Our top pick in this category, is a gorgeous piece that's easy to assemble and looks great in any room. It's also very durable and the only cot we tested that we believed would stand the test time. The narrow bars make it easy to clean, as there are no crevices or nooks where dust can accumulate. As your baby grows and develops, you can lower the base further to prevent them from climbing out. The teething rails will guard them from sharp teeth.
Another stunning piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a beautiful sleigh-style cot that's suitable from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed with an extension kit (sold separately). The three height options will keep your baby at ease throughout their development, but the fiddly assembly process could put off some. It's expensive, but worth the extra investment if you're looking for a timeless design that will last for years to be. Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months.
Durability
When you are buying a mini-cot, the quality is important as the furniture will last for a long time into the age of toddlerhood. We have tested a variety of cot beds to make sure they're robust and built to last. We have also looked at design and style, the latest innovations, comfort and convertability and storage, as well as other features to assist you in making the best choice for your family.
If you're seeking a stylish option or 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 finishes and styles to match all tastes and budgets from simple and practical to extravagant and costly. We have tested several convertible cot-beds so you can get the best value and use the furniture until your child's toddler age.
This elegant solid oak cot from Clair de Lune is an exquisite double-framed piece that's designed to be much more than just a place to sleep your baby. The wood is of top quality and has been made with care to ensure longevity and durability. Grace is our MFM tester was able to put it together easily and the packaging was designed to ensure that no parts were left behind. The cot comes with a mattress, but you'll need to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Many mini cots are designed with efficiency in mind. They are designed with innovative elements that maximize space and function. For instance, some models have a built-in diaper change station, which makes it much easier to change your baby. This increases the comfort of both you and your child during the diaper changing process. It also makes it safer as all the necessary items are within reach.
Other unique designs include a crib with an integrated trundle to provide additional storage, or a cot that can fold down into a compact unit. 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 be transformed into a sofa, giving your child even more flexibility.
The majority of mini cots are designed with safety in mind. They have features like secure side rails as well as non-toxic finishes. This will ensure that they are safe and comfortable during their early years.
Obaby Nika is a modern high-end cot bed that has exceptional safety features and a stylish design. This cot is smaller than its full-sized equivalent however it doesn't compromise functionality. It has three mattress bases for your growing baby and teething rails.
affordable cots found it easy to put together and move around the room, once completed. Its unique oval shape makes it possible to fit into doors with standard frames.
Comfort
When you are preparing your baby's nursery, it's easy to get caught up on safety and spec features. However comfort is equally important. If your child is going to spend much of the time in the mini crib they pick, it is important that they are secure and comfortable.
This is especially important in the event that you're considering mini cots as an alternative to the traditional Moses basket. It is recommended that babies rest next to their parents for the first six months, so a warm and comfortable cot can make sure they're able to do so while remaining close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed will be an excellent choice if you are looking for a top quality bed for smaller spaces, however, one that allows your baby to develop and grow into a toddler. It's not inexpensive but it comes with a 1 year warranty and is a great value for money since you can use it until the age of toddler.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed is another good option when you're looking for a cot that comes with extras like a handy drawer, teething rails, and two adjustable height positions. Our test subject Jill found it a doddle to put together and she was impressed by the way that it fitted through door frames that are standard. You'll need an oval mattress separately.
Convertability
Cot beds are designed to last longer than standard cots, providing your child with the bed they need from birth right through to toddlerhood. This is why cots are better over cribs. They also are more affordable since you don't need to purchase a new bed for your child after they grow out of it.
Some cots and cot beds are designed to grow with your child, turning into junior beds or 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 easy and looks great in any nursery. However, you'll require a fitted sheet for a cot-bed rather than a crib because the gaps are quite large.
Try the Obaby Nika Mini Cot Bed that is suitable for babies up to four years old age. It's small and has a modern nursery look with a textured oak effect finish. It includes three mattress positions to fit your growing baby, as well as teething rails to protect your baby.
Explore a variety of stylish and modern cots and cot beds that will create a warm and cozy nursery for your little one at Pram Centre. Our collection includes a range of bespoke designs from leading brands such as Mamas & Papas and Obaby as well as a number of cots with adjustable features that can be changed as your baby grows. You can also buy additional items that will keep your baby snug and safe, like a toddler-friendly padded guard to keep them from falling out of the crib or an upholstered cot mattress made of air-tight material to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
Think about a design that could be used as an adult bed if you are a future parent looking for a cot that will last for many years after your child has outgrown it. This will help you save money on separate furniture for toddlers and aid your child in making the transition from their crib to a bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot made by Silver Cross is a good illustration of a small bed with built-in storage. This allows you to keep any extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits neatly organized. This is a fantastic feature for the early months of your baby's life when you will need to change them often.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another option for parents who are looking for a cot which has storage. It is designed for use from birth until about four years of age. It features a two-tone appearance. It can be transformed into a bed for a toddler by removing the side panel. It also includes an infant rail. The model is also available with a variety of drawers for under-cots.
If you're shopping for a mini cot bed look through the Pram Centre collection to discover our stunning designs. We offer a variety of top brands including Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to fit the needs of every nursery. We also stock a range of nursery furniture to match your cot bed and create the perfect sleeping space for your child.