Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed review

Tested by

Mum-of-2, Helen, tested the Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed with her 13-month-old son, Jesse. It was used over 2 weeks, including for overnight sleep and naps.

First impressions

Everything about the Maya Mini had a lovely finish and smelt beautifully of wood as it came out of the box. All the pieces had been well protected in the box and neatly packed with all the parts easy to identify. I loved the clean look, although there was a small mark on one of the bars of the cot which I was not able to remove.

How easy is the Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed to build?

Assembly was remarkably easy. It took me about 45 minutes and only required one tool – a supplied Allen key. This was handier than in other flat packs as it had a longer and shorter side for the more difficult to reach sections. Unlike beds I’ve made previously, all the wooden slats on the mattress base were already attached, which made a big difference and meant they felt more secure for my baby. The bars on the sides are also pre-attached, again saving time and reassuring me that they were firmly in place. Parent reviews on Argos and Amazon also commented on how easy the cot was to put together.

I found it slightly more problematic transforming the cot into a cot bed, which I’ll explain later in the review.

How does the Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed compare with other cot/cot beds?

The main difference is the size – at L25cm xW65cmxH89cm, it’s similar to the MoKee Mini Cot Bed, but a fair bit smaller than the standard cot bed. This wasn’t a problem with my baby as he’s still small, but when it was turned into a cot bed it did look significantly smaller than the cot bed my older son (who is tall for his age) used. An Amazon reviewer added that they preferred this smaller size, as it meant their baby looked cosy.

In my view, the Maya Mini is more attractive than many of the cot beds on the market, particularly because the bars are an appealing golden-brown colour and smooth, making it look less ‘cage-like’.

What age is the Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed suitable for?

The cot is marketed as suitable from birth until age 4. From my experience it is perfect for a baby, but if my son ends up as tall as his brother, it is unlikely he will still fit in it when he is 4.

Is there a mattress included?

No, there is no mattress included, so you will have to budget extra for this. The Maya Mini fits the cot mattress size 120cmx60cm, and Obaby has a choice of a foam mattress, £40, or sprung mattress, £60, on their website.

Is the Obaby Maya Mini a standalone cot or can it be fixed to your bed as a co-sleeper?

It’s just a standalone cot or cot bed. If you’re after a co-sleeper you could try the Chicco Next2Me Forever or the SnüzPod4.

How easy is it to access your baby when they are in the Obaby Maya Mini Cot?

This depends on which level you set the base, the thickness of your mattress and the age and mobility of your baby. However, I had it set to the bottom level as my baby can pull to standing and still found it incredibly easy to reach in to put my baby down and pick him up again. The cot is not too deep but is still very safe for baby to stand up in.

Is it possible to lower the side of the Maya Mini Cot?

No.

How easy is it to see your baby in the Obaby Maya Mini Cot?

The narrow bars mean you can easily see your baby in the cot. He really liked being able to peep through the bars and play peek a boo.

How portable is the Obaby Maya Mini Cot?

The cot is quite heavy so not suitable for moving between rooms and it’s definitely not one to travel with due to the assembly required.

Does the Maya Mini Cot rock or tilt?

No, it doesn’t do either.

How comfy is the Obaby Maya Mini Cot for your baby?

My baby was very happy in the Maya Mini Cot. He doesn’t move around too much while asleep, but the bars are very smooth so I had no concerns if he did touch the sides. He was sleeping regularly through the night when we tested the bed and he slept as well as usual in it – he also settled well for naps. When awake, he liked cruising along the cot and peeping through the bars, and it was a useful space to keep him safe if I had to pop out of the room.

Does the Maya Mini Cot feel robust and durable?

Yes, the cot felt very solid and well built. It was sturdy on its feet and didn’t wobble or move at all when my baby moved around. The legs attach firmly and feel very solid.

How do you turn the Obaby Maya Mini from a cot into a cot bed, and how easy is it to do this?

Like I mentioned before, I had slightly more problems transforming it into the cot bed with guard, as it was a little fiddly using the Allen key to add in one of the screws. However, I eventually realised this was much easier when lifting the bed and turning it on its side as the key could be inserted at a slight angle, making the job a lot quicker. It might have been better if this could have been stated in the instructions.

What I really liked is that there are two options with the Maya Mini Cot Bed – one with a side protection rail and one without – which would be great for gently introducing your child into their grown-up bed without fear of them falling out. Without the rail, you can also use the bed as a kind of mini kids’ sofa in the day, which would be ideal in a smaller space to create a cosy feel to your child’s bedroom.

How easy is it to keep the Maya Mini Cot Bed clean?

Very easy. There are no nooks and crannies as it’s all lovely square lines that just require a bit of dusting. The narrow bars mean you can run a duster over them, and you can use a feather duster or a vacuum cleaner nozzle for the gaps in between to stop any dust building up.

Does the cot have any built-in storage?

No. There is a space underneath the Maya Mini Cot Bed that you could store some flat boxes or small items, although in my view this would spoil the clean look of the cot.

Are there any design features of the Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed you find particularly useful?

The bed guard is a great feature, and one I didn’t have for my older son’s bed, which meant we had a few occasions of him falling out (thankfully onto thick carpet)! This bed means there is a halfway point between cot and cot bed, which should make the transition easier.

What’s in the box?

• End boards for the bed
• Side panels with bars
• Mattress base with wooden slats
• Legs
• All screws/dowels and Allen Key
• Side protection rail
• Sides for transforming into a bed.

Now you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed?

It’s important to know the dimensions because it’s smaller than the standard cot bed, so you’ll need a smaller mattress and bedding – although you could get away with larger fitted sheets and duvet.

I’d also have loved to have known that it’s easier to fit the bed sides and protection rail by angling the Allen Key when putting the bed on its side, as it took a few moments of frustration before I realised.

Who would the Maya Mini Cot Bed be most useful for?

It would be perfect if you’ve got a smaller-than-average space but want a stylish, modern cot that can grow with your baby.

Is the Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed worth the money?

It is on the more expensive side (although by no means the priciest), but it is very attractive and well made. I am doubtful that it would last us to the age range stated (due to the smaller dimensions) so have knocked off a few points for value for cost, but if it does last your child until they’re 4 then it would be pretty good value for money!

How does it compare to similar cot beds?

Where can I buy the Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed?

Available at Obaby, Amazon and Argos.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed is so easy to put together, looks gorgeous and is well built and robust. It doesn’t have the ugly bars that some cots have and is not too deep, so it’s not back breaking to pick up your child. If you’re looking for something stylish, smaller than the average bed, but which will last past the baby stage, this is a great choice.