Blog entry by Christy Hafner
Mini Cot Beds
Mini cot beds can be an ideal alternative to traditional cots particularly if you have smaller children's rooms. They are designed to last until your child reaches the age of four and come in many different colours and styles.
The cozy cot-bed from Boori was a hit with our mom testers. It's easy to assemble, looks beautiful and has many extra features, including teething rails and an storage drawer.
Style and Design
When choosing a cot for your baby, it's easy to get swept up in the safety and spec features. But don't overlook the design. You want something that's elegant and will look good in your nursery, whether you have a traditional or modern setup.
The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is our top choice in this category because it's a stunning piece that's super-easy to put together and looks great in the room. It's also very durable and the only cot we tested we felt would last the test. The bars are narrow, which means there aren't any nooks or crannies for dust to collect in, making cleaning as easy as is possible. The lowered base is great for babies and, as your baby becomes more active, you can lower it further to prevent them falling out, while the teething rails keep them safe from their sharp teeth.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is another stunning piece. It's a beautiful sleigh style cot that can be used from the time of birth. An extension kit, sold separately, allows it to be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The three height positions will keep your little one at ease as they grow, however the time-consuming assembly process might turn off some. It's also costly, but it's worth the investment if you're looking for an elegant design that will last for years to come. Gemma is the mother of Boden aged 13 months.
Durability
When it comes to purchasing the smallest cot bed, the quality is crucial as this will be an item of furniture that will last through the toddler years as well. We have tested a broad selection of cot beds in order to ensure that they have the highest levels of durability and are built to last. We have also considered style and design, innovative technology, comfort and conversion and storage as well as additional features to assist you in making the best crib for newborn choice for your family.
Whether you are seeking a stylish solution or something with a more modern twist we have found the best cots uk cot beds to suit your nursery decor. We have picked a range of styles and finishes that can meet every budget and taste. From simple and practical, to extravagant and expensive. We've also tried a couple of convertible cot beds to ensure you can get the best value for money and utilize this piece of furniture well into your child's toddler years.
We love this elegant solid oak cot by Clair de Lune It is a double-framed work of art designed to be more than just an area for your baby to sleep. The wood is high-quality and was crafted with precision to ensure longevity and durability. Our MFM test subject Grace found it easy to assemble and the packaging was carefully made to ensure there were no leftover parts. However, it's worth noting that this cot does not include a mattress, and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.
Innovation
Created with efficiency in mind, a lot of mini cot beds feature innovative design features that optimize space and function. Some models have a built-in changing station to make it easier for you to change your baby. This can improve the comfort of both your baby and you while changing diapers and also makes it more secure by keeping all the essential supplies at hand.
Other unique designs include cribs that fold to make a smaller unit or a crib that has a built-in trundle drawer for extra storage space. These compact designs work great in homes with a limited space or in homes where the nursery can also be used as a bedroom. Some models can also convert into a sofa, offering additional flexibility and functionality for your growing child.
Most mini cots are designed with safety in mind. They have features such as secure side rails, non-toxic finishes, and more. This will ensure that they are safe and comfortable throughout their first years.
Obaby Nika is a modern high-end crib bed that comes with outstanding safety features as well as a chic design. This cot is smaller than its larger counterpart however, it doesn't sacrifice its functionality. It comes with three mattress positions to accommodate your growing Baby beds as well as teething rails. Moreover, our reviewer found it easy to put together and move around the room once it was assembled. Its unique oval design means it is able to fit into doors that have standard frames, an important benefit for busy parents.
Comfort
It can be easy to become caught up in the details of spec and safety features when laying out your baby's nursery, but comfort is also a major factor. If your child will be spending a great deal of time in the crib they pick it is essential that they are comfortable and safe.
It's crucial if you are considering using a Moses basket to replace it. It is recommended that babies rest with their parents during the first six months, so a cosy and comfortable cot can ensure they can do that while keeping them close to you.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a ideal choice if you're looking for a premium cot for smaller spaces that will still provide ample space for your baby to grow into toddlerhood. It's not cheap but it does come with a one-year guarantee and provides a great value for money seeing as it can be used from birth right up to toddlerhood.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option if you are looking for a cot that has added features such as teething bars, a drawer and two positions that are adjustable. Our test subject Jill was able to put together and she was impressed by how it fits through standard door frames. You'll need an oval mattress separately.
Convertibility
Cot beds last longer than cribs that are standard and give your child an appropriate bed from birth until toddlerhood. This makes cots more durable than cribs. They're also more affordable, as you don't have to purchase a brand new bed for your child once they're old enough to use it.
Some cots and cot beds are designed to grow with your child, and transform into junior beds or even small sofa beds. Stokke Sleepi, for example is a bed that can be used until age 2 if you purchase an additional mattress extender as well as a junior conversion kit (sold separately). It's simple to install and looks fantastic in any nursery. However, you'll require a fitted sheet for a cot-bed rather than a crib as the gaps are quite large.
For a simpler alternative, consider the Obaby Nika mini cot bed, suitable from birth to around four years old. It's compact and provides a modern nursery look with a textured oak finish. It includes three mattress bases to suit your baby's growing needs and teething rails that protect.
At Pram Centre, you'll find a variety of stylish and innovative cots to create a relaxing nursery for your child. Our collection includes a range of unique designs from renowned brands such as Mamas & Papas and Obaby and includes a variety of adjustable features to change as your baby grows. You can also purchase various other accessories to help keep your baby safe and comfortable, including an infant guard that is padded to prevent them falling out or a breathable fitted cot mattress that promotes healthy sleeping habits.
Storage & Extra Features
If you're a mom-to-be looking for a cot that will last long after your little one has grown out of it, think about buying an option that converts into a toddler bed. This will save you money on purchasing separate furniture for your toddler and will assist your child move smoothly from sleeping in their cot into their bed.
The Katie mini Sleigh cot from Silver Cross is an example of a compact cot that has built-in storage. It is possible to store bedding nappies, cots, and sleepsuits in a neatly organized way. This is an important feature to have for your baby's first few months, as you'll need to change them often.
The Obaby Maya continental bed cot is another option for parents who are seeking a cot that has storage. It is designed to be used from birth until around four years old. It features a two-tone design. It can be transformed into a bed for a toddler by taking off the side panel. It also comes with an infant rail. The model also comes with a variety of drawers for under-cots.
Browse the Pram Centre's collection of mini cots to see our amazing designs. We offer a range of choices from top rated cots brands such as Babymoov and Mamas & Papas to suit any nursery. We also stock a range of nursery furniture to match your crib bed and create the perfect sleeping space for your child.