Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A quality cot-bed made of wood is an investment in your child's future. A quality piece of furniture should last them until they enter school (insert the crying emoji). This Scandi-style model has three mattress positions and can be converted into a toddler bed with the appropriate extension kit.
The panel took us about an hour to put together, and the sides are low enough to allow for easy washing. Our testers loved this sleek, classic design.
Material
A real wood cot-bed can be an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that will be treasured for many years. It will also be able to stand up to the bumps and bruises that occur in family life. Choosing the right one is difficult with so many designs and features to choose from.
The best cot bed made of wood is made of strong and durable materials such as pine or mahogany. To prevent water damage, they should be painted and sanded or stained with child-safe paint. They should also be fitted with a mattress that fits snugly and is marked with the name of the manufacturer and size. The safety of your child is of paramount importance, so make sure that the cot you choose is in line with the most recent British and European safety standards. It must also be endorsed by a respected international laboratory.
Whether you're looking for a classic sleigh design or something more contemporary There's a cot bed that will fit your taste and budget. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functionality and an elegant design. It's designed to last until your toddler is ready to go to bed, and can be transformed into an adult bed with the aid of an optional kit.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option. It comes with a variety of extra features to keep your baby comfy and happy. It has a drawer that can be used to store blankets, nappies and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted to three different positions. It's also easy to put together and has great longevity It can also be converted into a toddler bed by the purchase of an extension kit.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, there is also the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed that is available in off-white or trendy green for just PS372. It's an ordinary cot bed and comes with an adjustable height base that allows you to lower the bed as your child grows. It's also suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old and can be used with the bars removed for a bench-style toddler's bed.
Design
A solid wood cot bed is an investment that can last for a long time and provide a secure environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are durable and adaptable and can be adapted to meet your child's evolving requirements by adjusting the mattress base heights. They're also a stylish choice for any nursery, fitting into the rest of your furniture.
There are many different kinds of wooden cot beds and it is essential to consider your style and décor before purchasing one. Some are more modern, and others have a more traditional design. Some are made from solid wood, while others are made from composite materials like MDF. Solid-wood cot beds are more expensive, however they can be sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The best wooden cots are constructed to last for a long time, and some of them even convert into a bed for toddlers. Stokke Home Bed is a great example. It can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a chic couch. The Stokke Home Bed comes with additional accessories like the tent that allows your child to role-play and a changing table that can be used as a convenient diaper area.
The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is a different alternative. It is constructed from FSC Pine and finished with white or beige tones. It's a great choice for a nursery that has an uncluttered theme. It is also easy to put together. Our panel took less than an hour to put together. The cot doesn't have mattresses and you'll have to purchase one separately.
The Elementary cot from John Lewis Anyday is a excellent choice for parents looking for a budget cot without losing quality. It's simple to put together, and has three mattress height settings so it can be used by your child from birth to four years old. It also includes teething rails and is built to withstand the tests of time thanks to its robust construction.
If you're looking for a high-end product that will last from newborn to toddler, check out the Little Interiors 1950s inspired cot from Danish brand Done by Deer. It's a unique piece that can be converted into a low-level bed for toddlers or a playhouse by removing the cot bars. It was surprisingly easy to build and our testers really liked the sturdy feel of it.
Safety
As parents, you will want to ensure your baby is secure at all times. This is especially important when they're sleeping. A good cot will ensure that your child is comfortable and well-rested. It should also be free from hazards, like entrapment or suffocation. When looking for the perfect cot, think about the following safety features.
Ensure the cot is solid and sturdy, with no gaps between the bars. Check that the bars are less than 95 millimetres apart. larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Make sure that the cot has enough depth to stop your child from escaping.
It should be kept away from power and heaters points, as they could cause overheating. Keep the cot free of soft toys, stuffed animals and other objects that could make your baby suffocate. It is also important to ensure that your cot is free of blinds and curtains with cords. These can cause strangulation for your child.
The majority of cots and beds have been tested and verified to be safe by experts in the field. Certain issues can occur after a product is put on the market. It is crucial to be aware of older cots or heirlooms that could be older than what is recommended. Cots made before 1973 could be painted with toxic leaded paint, and the older stickers on the side could peel off and cause a choking hazard for babies. If you are thinking of buying a used cot, ensure that the mattress is brand new and meets British safety standards BS EN716.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose cot that can take your baby through the toddler years and beyond, this model from Stokke is worth taking a look. It is elegant, durable and sturdy and comes with three different height levels that will increase with your child before you can convert it into the bed. Our MFM testers said that the instructions were "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't include a mattress, but it can be fitted with a standard 120cm x 60cm one. A teething rail kit as well as an storage drawer, can be bought to complete the crib.
Eco-friendly
Solid wood is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it's a strong and durable material. You'll get furniture that lasts for a long period of time and withstand the bumps and scrapes that come with everyday family life. Solid wood cot beds also tend to be made by hand therefore you can be assured that you're getting a top-quality product that was crafted with attention to detail.
Solid-wood cots are also noted for their ability to be converted into other furniture for nursery. This is especially true for the Boori Evolution furniture range, that can be turned into a toddler's bed, or even a sofa-bed, so that your child will have it until they reach six or seven years old. This gives you great value for money, and it means that you don't have to purchase a new crib when your child is starting to outgrow it.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the top solid-wood cribs we've tested and it comes with a variety of additional features that work to make it a fantastic choice for any baby. It has teething rails, a drawer, and two different mattress height settings. It's also incredibly easy to put together and our test participants found it to be the most simple of all the cot beds we test.
Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot that is perfect for any nursery. It's a stunning piece with rounded corners that will look great in any room. It's suitable from newborns to three years old. It can be used for a cot or toddler bed, and can be customized with different accessories to suit your preferences.
Of course when it comes to cot beds, safety is of paramount importance and all cots must be in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. You can get details on the safety regulations that a particular cot must be able to comply with by reading the main specifications on the website of the manufacturer. If you're not sure what kind of cot bed is safest for your child, ask your doctor for guidance.