Mini Cot Beds
If you're putting together a smaller nursery or simply require a different design to a traditional cot mini cot beds are a great alternative. These beds are made to last until your child reaches the age of four and come in a variety of colours and styles.
The cozy bed from Boori was a huge hit with our mom testers. It's simple to put together, looks beautiful and has plenty of extra features, like teething rails and an storage drawer.
Style and Design
It can be easy to get caught up in specifications and safety features when choosing your baby's cot but don't forget the design. You want something that's elegant and will look good in your nursery, whether you have a traditional or modern arrangement.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed Our top pick in this category, is a stunning piece that's easy to assemble and looks stunning in any room. It is also very sturdy and the only cot we tested we felt would stand the test time. The narrow bars mean there aren't any nooks or crevices for dust to accumulate in, making cleaning as simple as possible. As your baby grows and develops, you can lower the base to stop them from climbing out. The teething rails will protect them from their sharp teeth.
Another gorgeous piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a stunning sleigh-style cot which is suitable from birth and can be transformed into a bed for toddlers using an extension kit (sold separately). The three height positions keep your child in a comfortable position as they grow up, but the arduous assembly process might put some people off. It is also expensive however it is worth it if you want a timeless design which will last for many years. 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 a piece of furniture that will last the toddler years as well. We've tested a wide range of cot beds to ensure that they have the highest quality of durability and are built to last. We have also considered style and design, innovation, comfort and convertability and storage and extra features to assist you in making the best choice for your family.
Whether you are seeking a stylish solution or something with an edgier twist, we have the most suitable cot beds that can fit into your nursery decor. We've picked a range of styles and finishes that match all tastes and budgets from basic and practical to luxury and expensive. We've even tried a couple 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.
This elegant solid oak cot made by Clair de Lune is an exquisite double-framed piece that's designed to be more than just a place for your baby to sleep your baby. The wood is of premium quality and has been made with precision to ensure durability and longevity. Grace is our MFM tester was able to put it together easily and the packaging was designed to ensure no parts were left behind. It's important to note that this cot does not come with a mattress and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.
Innovation
Many mini cots have been designed with efficiency in mind. They have innovative design elements that maximise the space and efficiency. For instance, some models come with a built-in diaper changing station, which makes it much easier to change your baby. This improves the comfort for both you and your child during the diaper changing process. It also makes it safer as all the essential items are readily available.
Other designs that are innovative include a crib that has an integrated trundle to provide additional storage, or a cot that can fold down into a compact unit. These compact designs are ideal in homes with a limited space or where the nursery also functions as an additional bedroom. Some models can also transform into a couch to give your child more flexibility.
Most mini cots are designed with safety in mind. They come with features like safety rails on the sides, non-toxic finishes and more. This ensures that they are safe and secure throughout their first few years.
For a modern, stylish cot bed with exceptional design and safety features take a look at the Obaby Nika mini cot. It's a bit smaller than its larger counterpart but doesn't skimp on the functionality, offering three mattress positions to accommodate your growing baby and even teething rails. Moreover, our reviewer found it easy to set up and move around the room once it was assembled. Its unique oval shape means it is able to fit into standard door frames, an important benefit for busy parents.
Comfort
It is easy to become caught up in the details of spec and safety features when you are laying out your baby's nursery but comfort is also key. If your little one is going to spend many hours in their cot it is essential that they are comfortable and safe.
This is especially important in the event that you're considering a mini cot as an alternative to a Moses basket. It is recommended that infants sleep with their parents during the first six months. A cozy, comfortable crib will allow them to do this 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 premium bed for small spaces, however, one that allows 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 considering that it can be used 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 subject Jill was able to build and loved how it fits into standard door frames. But, keep in best cot newborn that you'll have to purchase sheets and 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 to toddler years. This is why cots are better over cribs. They are also more affordable since you don't need to purchase a new bed for your child once they grow out of it.
Some cots and cot beds can also adapt to the needs of your child. They can be transformed into junior beds, or even small sofas. The Stokke Sleepi for example can be used from age 2 and beyond by purchasing a junior conversion kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It's simple to make and looks great in any nursery, although you'll need an adjustable sheet that can fit the bed of a cot rather than a cot since the gaps between the bars are wide.
Try the Obaby Nika Mini Cot Bed, which is suitable for babies up to four years old age. It's compact and has a contemporary nursery feel with a textured finish in oak. It comes with three mattress base positions for your growing baby, and teething rails to safeguard them.
Explore a variety of modern and stylish cots and cot beds that will create a cozy nursery for your baby at Pram Centre. Our selection includes a range of bespoke designs by leading brands such as Mamas & Papas, Obaby and a host of others. Many of them come with adjustable features that can be adjusted to meet the needs of your baby's development. You can also purchase extras to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe, such as a toddler-friendly padded guard to prevent them from falling out of the cot, or a cot mattress that is fitted with air-tight material to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a mom-to-be looking for a cot bed that will last long after your child has grown out of it, think about getting one that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will save you money on separate furniture for toddlers and aid your child in making the transition from cot to 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 extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits in order. This is a fantastic feature for the first few months of your baby's development when you'll need to change them regularly.
Another great alternative for parents who want a cot with storage is the Obaby Maya continental cot bed. This cot has a fresh 2-tone look and is intended to be used from birth to approximately four years old. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It also has an infant rail. A variety of under-cot storage drawers are also available for this model.
If you're in the market for a mini cot bed, browse the Pram Centre collection to discover the stunning designs available. We have options from top brands like Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to fit the needs of every nursery. We also stock a range of nursery furniture that will complement your crib bed and create the ideal sleeping space for your child.