Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wood cot-bed is an investment in your child's future. A good piece of furniture will last until they start school (insert the crying emoticon). The Scandi-style bed comes with three mattress positions and can be transformed into a toddler's bed with the right extension kit.
Our panel took about an hour to construct and the sides are low enough to make washing easy. Our testers loved this sleek, classic design.
Material
A solid wood cot bed is a timeless piece of furniture for children that can be treasured for years to come. It will also be able to stand up to the bumps and bruises that occur in the family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult with so many styles and features available.
The most durable wood cot bed is constructed from strong and durable materials such as pine or mahogany. They should be sanded and stained or painted with child-safe paint to protect against water damage. They should also be fitted with a mattress that is comfortable and is marked with the manufacturer's name and size. Your child's safety is paramount. Make sure the cot you select meets the most current British safety standards as well as European safety standards. It should be approved by a renowned laboratory.
There are cot beds to meet the needs of all budgets and tastes, whether you prefer a classic sleigh or something more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a stunning option that provides high-end quality and function with a timeless style to match. It is built 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.
Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which offers numerous extra features to keep your baby happy and comfortable. It has a handy drawer underneath that can be used to store blankets and nappies as well as teething rails and an adjustable base height that can be adjusted to three positions. It is also simple to put together, and has a long-lasting lifespan. When you buy an expansion kit, you can convert it into a bed for toddlers.
If you are on a budget then the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great option. It comes in stylish off-white or green and costs just PS372. It can be used with the standard mattress for a cot and comes with an adjustable height base that allows you to lower it as your baby grows. It can also be used from birth up to age four, and the bars can be removed to create an infant bed.
Design
A solid wood cot bed is a wise investment that can last for a long time and provide a safe space for your child to grow and sleep. They are durable and flexible and can be modified to meet your child's changing requirements with a variety of mattress base heights. They're also a chic choice for any nursery, fitting in with the furniture.
When you are looking to purchase a wooden cot, it's important to think about your style and design. Some are more modern, while others are more traditional in style. Some are constructed from solid wood while others are made from composite materials like MDF. Solid-wood cots are more costly but can be more durable and sturdy than MDF models.
The most durable wooden cots are built to last, and some of them even convert into a toddler's bed. A good example is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to an adult bed, and later it transforms into a chic sofa. It is also available with other accessories, like an outdoor cover that gives your child role-play opportunities and a changing tray to provide a convenient nappy station.
Another option is an alternative is the Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot constructed from FSC pine and is finished in neutral white or soft beige. It's a great option for a nursery with an uncluttered theme. It's also simple to put together. Our panel took less than an hour to put together. cot bed wooden doesn't come with a mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately.
If you're looking to buy a budget-friendly cot that isn't compromising on quality, you can better off with the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's easy to put together, and has three mattress height settings so it can be used by your baby from birth until four years old. It also comes with teething rails that are designed to stand the test of time with a robust construction.
If you're looking for a high-end product that lasts from newborn to toddler, take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s inspired cot from Danish brand Done by Deer. It's a unique piece that can be turned into a low-level toddler bed or even a playhouse by the removal of the bars on the cot. It was surprisingly easy to put together and our testers loved the solid feel of it.
Safety
As parents, you'll want to ensure that your child is secure at all times. This is particularly true when they're asleep. A good cot will ensure your baby is well-rested and comfortable. It must be free of dangers such as suffocation and entrapment. During your search for the ideal cot, look for the following safety features:
Ensure the cot is solid and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Make sure the bars are less than 95 millimetres apart. bigger gaps could trap your baby's head or arms. Also, make sure there's enough room in the cot to prevent your baby from climbing out.
It should be kept away from power and heaters points, since they can cause overheating. You should also keep the cot free of toys such as stuffed animals, toys and other soft items, which can be a danger to your baby. It is also important to keep the cot free of blinds and curtains with cords that could pose an entrapment risk for your child.
Experts in the field verify and test that all new cots, cot beds and cribs are safe. However, some problems can arise when a product goes on the market, so it's crucial to be aware of second-hand or heirloom beds that are older than what is recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 may have been coated with lead-based toxic paint. Older stickers on the side of the cot may peel off and pose the risk of choking for infants. If you're considering a second-hand cot, make sure the mattress is 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 one from Stokke is worth a look. It's stylish, durable and solid, with three different height levels that grow with your child, before you convert it into an actual bed. Our MFM test subjects said that the instructions were "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't come with a mattress but it can be made with the standard 120cm x 60cm one. A teething rail kit as well as an storage drawer, can be purchased to match the crib.
Eco-friendly
Solid wood is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it's a strong and durable material. You'll find furniture that lasts for a long time and can stand up to the scrapes and bumps that are part of 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 the utmost care.
Solid-wood cots are also noted for their capacity to be transformed into other nursery furniture. This is especially true of the Boori Evolution range of furniture, which can be transformed into a toddler bed and even a sofa bed so that it will last for your child until they're six or seven years old. This gives you great value for money and means that you won't have to buy a new crib when your child is starting to outgrow it.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood crib is among our top choices. It has a lot of features that make it a good option for any baby. It comes with a drawer, teething rails, and two different mattress base height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also extremely easy to put together, and our test participants found it to be the most simple of all of the cot beds that we test.
Another solid-wood cot that's ideal for any nursery is the Scandi Classic Cot Bed from Ickle Bubba. It's a gorgeous piece of furniture with rounded edges. It will look lovely in any room, and it's suitable for babies as young as three years old. It can be used for a toddler bed or cot and can be customised with different accessories to suit your taste.
Safety is of course a top priority when it comes to cots and all cots have to conform to strict UK safety regulations. On the site of the manufacturer you can learn about the safety standards cots must meet. If you're uncertain about which type of cot bed is the most secure for your child, talk to your doctor for guidance.