Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds can be an ideal alternative to traditional cots especially if you have smaller children's rooms. They are made to be used until your child reaches the age of four and come in a variety of colours and styles.
The cozy bed from Boori was a hit with our mum testers. It's simple to put together it looks stunning and comes with many additional features, such as teething rails and a storage drawer.
Style and Design
When it comes to choosing a cot your baby, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specification features. But don't forget the style. You want something that's stylish and will suit your nursery, no matter if you have a modern or traditional arrangement.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our top pick in this category as it's a stunning piece that's also super-easy to put together and looks great in the room. It's also very sturdy and the only cot that we test that we believe will be able to stand the test of time. The narrow bars allow for easy cleaning, as there are no crevices or nooks where dust can accumulate. The lowered base is great for newborns and, as your baby grows more active you can lower it even further to stop them from falling out, while the teething rails will keep them safe from sharp teeth.
Another stunning piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a beautiful sleigh-style cot that's suitable from birth and can be converted into a bed for toddlers using an extension kit (sold separately). The three height positions will keep your little one comfortable as they grow however the time-consuming assembly process may turn off some. It is also expensive, but worth it if your goal is a timeless design which will last for a long time. Gemma is the mother of Boden, aged 13 months.
Durability
When it comes to buying a mini cot bed, quality is key as this will be an item of furniture that will last the toddler years too. We have tested many cribs to ensure that they are durable and built to last. We also looked at design and style, ingenuity features, comfort, convertible storage, and other features in order to help you select the ideal cot for your family.
If you're looking for an elegant solution or something with a more modern twist we have the most suitable crib beds that will fit the decor of your nursery. We have picked a range of designs and finishes that can meet all budgets and tastes. From basic and practical, to extravagant and expensive. We've even tried a couple of convertible cot beds to ensure that you get the best value for money and utilize this piece of furniture into the toddler years of your child.
This beautiful solid oak cot by Clair de Lune is a double-framed masterpiece that's designed to be more than a place to sleep your baby. The wood is of high quality and has been crafted with precision to ensure durability and longevity. Our MFM tester Grace found it easy to put together, and the packaging was designed so that there were no parts left over. However, it's important to know that this cot does not include a mattress, and you will need to purchase a mattress separately.
Innovation
Designed with efficiency in mind, a lot of mini cot beds come with innovative design features that optimise space and functionality. Some models have a built-in changing station to facilitate your ability to change your baby. This can improve the comfort of both of you and your baby when changing diapers and makes 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 that can fold down into a compact unit. These compact designs are a great choice for tight spaces and homes where the nursery doubles as another bedroom. Some models can be converted into a couch and give your child more flexibility.
In terms of safety, many mini cot beds are designed to ensure your child's wellbeing with features like secure side rails and non-toxic finishes. This ensures they remain secure and comfortable throughout their first few years.
Obaby Nika is a modern premium cot bed that has exceptional safety features as well as a chic design. This cot is a little more compact than its full-sized counterpart, but it's not sacrificing functionality, featuring three mattress positions to accommodate your growing child and even teething rails. Our reviewer also found it simple to assemble, and then move around the room once completed. Its unique oval shape allows it to fit into doors that have standard frames.
Comfort
When you are planning your nursery for your baby, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features. However comfort is equally important. If your child will be spending much of the time in the mini cot they choose it is essential that they are secure and comfortable.
This is particularly crucial when you're thinking of using 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 cozy 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 small spaces yet one that will allow your baby to grow and develop into toddlerhood. It's not cheap, but it comes with a one-year guarantee and provides a great value for money since you can use it from birth right up 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 positions that can be adjusted. It was easy to assemble and Jill loved the way it fit through standard door frames. But, keep in the mind that you'll have to purchase sheets and an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are made to last longer than standard cots, ensuring your child with the bed they need from birth until toddlerhood. This durability makes cot beds a more popular choice than a crib, and can be a cost-effective investment because you won't need to buy a brand new bed for your child when they grow out of it.
Some cots and cot beds are also designed to adapt to the needs of your child, turning into junior beds or even small sofa beds. Stokke Sleepi, for example is a bed that can be used until age 2 with the purchase of an additional mattress extender as well as a junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's simple to make and looks great in any nursery, although you will need to use an adjustable sheet that can fit the cot bed, not a cot as the gaps between the bars are quite large.
For a more simple option, you can opt for the Obaby Nika mini cot bed that is suitable from birth to around four years old. It's small and has a contemporary nursery feel with a textured finish made of oak. It has three mattress positions to fit your growing baby, as well as teething rails that protect.
At best rated cribs , you'll find an array of fashionable and modern cots that will create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our selection includes a range of custom designs from top brands such as Mamas & Papas, Obaby and many others. A lot of them have adjustable features that can be changed to accommodate your child's needs. You can also buy additional items that will keep your baby snug and safe, such as a toddler-friendly padded guard to keep them from falling out of the cot, or a cot mattress that is fitted with breathable material to promote healthy sleep habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a new parent looking for a cot that will last for a long time after your little one has grown out of it, consider opting for a design that converts into a toddler bed. This will save you money on purchasing separate furniture for your toddler and will allow your child to get through the transition from their cot into their bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot by Silver Cross is a great example of a compact bed with storage built-in. You can store extra bedding nappies, sleepsuits, and other bedding in a neatly laid out way. This is a great feature to have in your baby's early months when you'll be changing the diapers frequently.
Another 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 up to around four years old. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel and includes an infant rail. The model is also available with a range of drawers under the cot.
If you're in the market for a mini cot bed, browse the Pram Centre collection to discover our selection of stunning designs. We have options from top brands including Babymoov, Mamas & Papas and Obaby to match every nursery. We also carry a variety of nursery furniture to complement your crib bed and create the ideal sleeping space for your baby.
