Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A real wood cot bed is a wise investment for your baby - a good quality piece will last until they start school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style bed has three mattress positions, and can be converted to a toddler's bed using an extension kit.
It took our panel about an hour to put together and the sides are low enough to allow for easy washing. Our testers were impressed by this simple traditional design.
Material
A solid wood bed is a timeless piece of furniture for children that can be treasured for years to come. It will also be able to withstand the inevitable bumps and bruises that come with family life. However, picking the right one can be difficult with the many designs and features available.
The best wood cot bed is constructed of sturdy, durable materials like mahogany or pine. They should be sanded down and stained or painted with child-safe paint to guard against water damage. They must also have a mattress that is snug and is labelled with the name of the manufacturer and size. The safety of your child is of the utmost importance, so be sure that the cot you choose is in line with the most recent British and European safety standards. It should be endorsed by an internationally renowned laboratory.
There are cot beds to meet the needs of all budgets and tastes regardless of whether you prefer traditional sleighs or something more contemporary. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a gorgeous option that comes with high-end quality and function, with a timeless design to match. It's designed to last until your toddler is ready for a bed and can be converted into a junior bed with the aid of an optional kit.
Another option is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which comes with many extra features to keep your baby happy and comfortable. It has a useful drawer underneath to keep nappies and blankets as well as teething rails. It also has an adjustable base height that can be adjusted to three positions. It's also simple to put together and is extremely durable - it can be converted into a toddler bed by the purchase of an extension kit.
If you're on a budget and want to save money, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great choice. It comes in stylish off-white or green and costs just PS372. It takes an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with an adjustable height base that allows you to lower it as your child grows. It's suitable from birth until your child is four and can be used with the bars removed to create the appearance of a bench-style toddler's bed.
Design
A cot-bed made of real wood is an investment in the future. It will last for a long time and provide your child with a safe and secure place to sleep and develop. They are designed to last and versatile that allows them to adjust to your child's changing needs with a range of mattress base heights and conversion options. They are also a stylish option for any nursery as they blend in with your other furniture.
There are many different kinds of wooden cot bed s and it is important to consider your style and design before you buy one. Some are more traditional, whereas others are modern in style. Some are made of solid wood and others are constructed from composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood bed frames are more expensive, however they are sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The best wooden cots will last for years, and some of them can be transformed into a toddler bed. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to a junior bed and then it transforms into a chic sofa. It is also available with additional features, such as a tent cover to give your child the chance to play with their role, and a changing tray for an easy nappy station.
Another great option is the Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot made of FSC pine and finished in neutral white or soft beige. It's a great option for a nursery that has neutral colors. It's also simple to put together. Our panel took only an hour to put together. This cot does not come with mattresses and you'll have to purchase one separately.
If you're looking for a low-cost cot that doesn't compromise on quality, you'll be able to do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's simple to put together and has three mattress heights, so it can be used by your infant from birth until four years old. It's also built to stand the long haul and is built with an extremely sturdy structure.
Check out the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a high-end product that will last from baby to toddler. It's an original piece that can be made into a low-level toddler bed or even a playhouse with the removal of the cot bars. It was relatively easy to build and our test subjects really appreciated the solid feel of it.
Safety
As parents, you will want to ensure your baby is safe at all times. This is especially true when they're sleeping. A good cot ensures that your baby is comfortable and well-rested. It must be free of dangers like suffocation or entrapment. When you are looking for the ideal cot, think about the following safety features.
Check that the bars are not more than 95 mm apart. Verify that the bars do not exceed 95 mm apart. The larger gaps can hinder your baby's arms and head. Make sure the cot has enough depth to prevent your child from escaping.
It should also be positioned away from heaters, windows and power points which could pose a risk of overheating. Keep the cot free of soft toys, stuffed animal and other objects that could cause your baby to become suffocated. It is also important to ensure that your cot is free of blinds and curtains with cords. These could pose a strangulation risk for your child.
The majority of cots and beds have been tested and verified to be safe by experts in the field. There are some issues that can arise after a product is placed on the market. It is essential to be aware of older cots or heirlooms that might be older than the recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may be painted with harmful lead paint, and older stickers on the side could peel off and cause an choking hazard for infants. If you're thinking of buying purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure the mattress is new and meets British safety standards BS EN716.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose crib that can carry you through your baby's toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth having a look. It's stylish, solid and sturdy, with three height levels to allow your child to grow before converting it into a bed. It's easy to construct, with our MFM testers praising the directions for being "clear and easy to follow". It does not come with an actual mattress, but it can be adapted to an existing 120cm x 60cm mattress. You can also purchase a teething rail kit and storage drawer to go with it.
Eco-friendly
Solid wood is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it's a strong and durable material. This means you'll get a piece of furniture that will last for many years and take on the scuffs and scrapes of daily family life. Wooden cots made of solid wood are usually made by hand, which means you know that you're getting something that is of the highest quality and has been carefully designed.
Solid-wood cots are also noted for their ability to be transformed into other furniture for the nursery. This is especially true of the Boori Evolution furniture range, which can be transformed into a toddler's bed, or even a sofa bed so that your child will be able to use it until they are six or seven years old. This is an excellent way to save money and you won't need to buy a brand new crib for your child once they're outgrowing their cot.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood crib is among our top picks. It is packed with lots of features that make it a good choice for any baby. It comes with teething rails, a drawer and two mattress height settings. It's also very simple to put together and our test subjects 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's perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece with rounded corners and will look stunning in any room. It's suitable from newborns to three years old. It can be used as a cot toddler bed or junior bed. It can be customized with a variety of accessories to match your personal style.
Of course when it comes down to cot beds, safety is the top priority and all cots must be in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. You can find details of the safety standards that a particular cot must follow by reviewing the specifications on the manufacturer's website. If you're unsure about what type of cot bed is safest for your child, consult your healthcare professional for guidance.