Why We Enjoy Mini Cot Beds (And You Should Also!)
Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds are a great alternative to traditional cots, especially if you have a smaller nursery. These beds 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 cozy crib bed from Boori. It's simple to put together and looks gorgeous. It also has many additional features, such as teething rails as well as a storage drawer.
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 design. You want something that's fashionable and will fit in with your nursery, regardless of whether you have a modern or traditional arrangement.
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed Our top pick in this category, is a beautiful piece that's easy to assemble and looks stunning in any room. It's also very sturdy and the only cot that we tested that we feel will endure the test of time. The narrow bars mean there are no nooks and crannies for dust to collect and make cleaning as easy as it can be. As your baby grows, you can lower the base further to prevent them from climbing out. The teething rails will shield them from sharp teeth.
Another gorgeous piece is the Silver Cross Nostalgia - a gorgeous sleigh-style cot that's ideal from birth and can be made into a toddler bed using an extension kit (sold separately). The three height positions will keep your child comfortable as they grow, however the tedious assembly process could make some people hesitant. It's also costly however it is worth it if you're looking for an elegant design that will last for many years. Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old.
Durability
When purchasing a mini-cot it is crucial to choose a high-quality product as this piece of furniture will last until the toddlerhood. We have tested a broad selection of cot beds to ensure that they have the highest levels of durability and are built to last. We also looked at design and style, ingenuity features, comfort, conversion, storage, and extra features in order to help you select the best cot bed for your family.
If you're looking for an elegant solution or one with an edgier twist, we have uncovered the top cot beds that can fit into your nursery's decor. We have selected a variety of styles and finishes to fit all budgets and tastes from simple and practical to luxurious and costly. We have even tested a few convertible cot beds so that you get the best value for your money and enjoy this piece of furniture into the toddler years of your child.
We love this elegant solid oak cot by Clair de Lune It is a double-framed masterpiece that has been designed to be more than just a place for your baby to sleep. The wood is of premium quality and has been crafted with precision to ensure longevity and durability. Grace the MFM tester was able to put it together easily and the packaging was designed to ensure no parts were left in the dust. The cot comes with a mattress, however you'll need to purchase it separately.
Innovation
Many mini cots have been designed with efficiency in mind. They are designed with innovative elements that maximise space and function. Some models have an integrated changing station to make it easier for you to change your baby. This increases the comfort of both you and your child during the diaper changing process. It is also safer since all the necessary supplies are easily accessible.
cot beds cots4totsuk 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 great for homes with tight spaces or where the nursery doubles as another bedroom. Some models can also be converted into a sofa, offering an additional level of flexibility and function for your growing child.
In terms of safety, the majority of mini cot beds prioritise your child's wellbeing with features like side rails that are secure and non-toxic finishes. This will ensure that they are safe and secure throughout their first years.
Obaby Nika is a modern, premium crib bed that comes with outstanding safety features as well as a chic design. This cot is a little smaller than its larger counterpart, but it doesn't sacrifice features, with three mattress bases to accommodate your growing baby, and even teething rails. Our reviewer also found it simple to assemble and then move around the room after it's been assembled. Its unique oval shape makes it possible to fit through doors that have standard frames.
Comfort
It's easy to become caught up in the details of spec and safety features when laying out your baby's nursery, however comfort is also a major factor. If your child will spend many hours in their cot, they need to be secure and comfortable.
This is particularly important if you're considering using a mini cot as an alternative to a Moses basket. It is recommended that babies rest close to their parents for the first six months, so a cozy, comfortable cot will make sure they're able to do so while keeping them 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 but one that still allows your baby to grow and develop into toddlerhood. It's not cheap but it comes with a one-year warranty and provides a great value for money seeing as it can be used from birth until the age of toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if are looking for a cot that has added features like a drawer, teething bars and two positions that are adjustable. Our test subject Jill found it easy to put together and she was impressed by the way it fit through standard door frames. However, do bear in the mind that you'll have to purchase an oval mattress and sheets separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds are made to last longer than standard cots, ensuring your child with the bed they need from birth right through to toddler years. This durability makes cot beds more popular choice than a crib and can be a more cost-effective investment because you won't need to buy a new baby bed for your child when they get out of it.
Some cots and cot beds are also designed to grow with your child, and transform into junior beds or even 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 simple and looks great in any nursery. However, you will require a fitted sheet for an cot-bed instead of a crib since the gaps are quite big.
Try the Obaby Nika Mini Cot Bed, which is suitable for babies up to four years of age. It's compact and provides modern design and style with a wood-textured finish. It comes with three mattress base positions to fit your growing baby, as well as teething rails to protect your baby.
Explore a variety of modern and stylish cots and cot beds to create a cozy nursery for your baby at Pram Centre. Our selection includes a range of bespoke designs by leading brands like Mamas & Papas, Obaby and many more. A lot of them have adjustable features that can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. You can also buy additional items that will keep your baby snug and safe, such as an infant padded safety guard to stop them from falling out of the cot, or a fitted cot mattress with the ability to breathe, which can help promote 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 grown out of it, think about buying a design that converts into a toddler bed. This will save you money purchasing separate furniture for toddlers and will assist your child make a smooth transition from their cot to a bed.
The Katie mini-sleigh cot by Silver Cross is a fantastic example of a compact bed with storage built-in. This lets you keep extra bedding, nappies and sleepsuits neatly organised. This is an important feature to have in your baby's first year when you'll be changing your baby's clothes frequently.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is a great alternative for parents who are looking for a cot which has storage. This cot comes with a modern 2-tone appearance and is intended to be used from birth up to about four years old. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. It also has an infant rail. A range of under-cot storage drawers are available for this model as well.
Browse the Pram Centre's collection of mini cot beds to see our amazing designs. We offer a range of options from the top brands like Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also have a wide selection of nursery furniture that will fit perfectly with your cot and provide an ideal sleeping space for your child.