Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wood cot bed is a wise investment for your baby - a good quality piece will last until your child starts school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style model features three mattress positions and can be transformed into a toddler bed with the appropriate extension kit.
Our panel took about an hour to assemble and the sides are low enough to make washing a breeze. Our testers were impressed by the simple, classic design.
Material
A solid wood cot-bed is a timeless nursery furniture piece that can be treasured for many years. It can also to withstand the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. Choosing the right one is difficult with so many styles and features available.
The best wood cot beds are made from strong, 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 have a fitted mattress that is comfortable and is marked with the name of the manufacturer and size. Your child's safety is of paramount importance, so make sure that the cot you pick meets the latest British and European safety standards. It should be endorsed by an internationally renowned laboratory.
If you're seeking an old-fashioned sleigh style or something more contemporary there's a cot bed to suit your taste and budget. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a stunning option that provides high-end quality and function, with a timeless design to match. It is designed to last until your toddler is ready to be able to sleep in a bed. A kit is available that allows it to be converted into a junior bed.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option. It offers many extra features that will keep your baby comfortable and happy. It features a drawer to store nappies, blankets and teething rails. The height of the base can be adjusted to three different positions. It is also simple to assemble, and it has a long-lasting lifespan. With the purchase of an expansion kit, you can convert it into a toddler's bed.
If you are on a tight budget and want to save money, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great option. It comes in stylish green or off-white and costs only 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 can also be used from birth until age four, and the bars can be removed to create the toddler bed.
Design
A real wood cot bed is an investment that will last for years and provide a safe environment for your child to grow and rest. They are durable and versatile and can be adjusted to meet your child's changing needs with a variety of mattress bases. They're also a chic option for any nursery because they can be incorporated into other furniture.
There are many different kinds of wooden cot beds and it is important to think about your style and décor before purchasing one. Some are more modern, while others are more traditional in design. Some are made of solid wood, while others are made of composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood bed frames are more expensive, but they can be sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The most durable wooden cots are built to last. Some of them even convert into a bed for toddlers. A good example is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to an adult bed, and later an elegant sofa. The Stokke Home Bed is available with additional options, such as an outdoor tent that allows your child to play and a changing table for a convenient diaper area.
Another excellent alternative is another option is Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot constructed from FSC pine and is finished in a neutral white or soft beige. It's a great option for a neutral-themed nursery and it is easy to set up the panel we tested took less than an hour to get it functioning. This cot doesn't come with an included mattress and you'll have to buy one separately.
If you're looking to buy a budget-friendly cot that won't skimp on quality, you'll be able to choose the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's easy to put together and comes with three mattress heights so that it can be used for your baby from birth until four years old. It's designed to stand the long haul and is built with strong construction.
For a premium buy 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 bed suitable for toddlers or a playhouse by taking out the cot bars. It was easy to set up and our test subjects liked its solid feel.
Safety
As parents you want your child to be safe throughout the day, particularly when asleep. A good cot will ensure your baby is well-rested and comfy. It should also be free from dangers, such as entrapment or suffocation. When you are looking for the ideal cot, think about the following safety features.
Make sure the cot is sturdy and sturdy and there are no gaps between the bars. Check that the bars don't exceed 95 millimetres. The larger gaps can trap your baby's arms or head. Make sure the cot has enough depth to stop your child from climbing out.
It should also be positioned away from power points and windows, which can pose the danger of overheating. Also, make sure that the cot is free of toys, stuffed animals and other soft items, which can be a suffocation hazard for your child. You should also keep your cot free of blinds and curtains that have cords. These can cause strangulation for your child.
Experts in the industry verify and test that all new cots as well as cribs and cot beds are safe. Some issues can arise after a product has been released to the market. It is essential to be wary of antique or second-hand cots that may be older than recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 could be painted with harmful lead paint, and the older stickers on the side can peel and become a choking hazard for babies. If you are thinking of buying a used cot, make sure that the mattress is new and has been tested to meet the British safety standards, such as BS EN716.
This multi-functional cot from Stokke will see you through the toddler years of your child and beyond. It's sleek, sturdy and durable, with three levels of height that allow it to accommodate your child's growth before converting it into a bed. Our MFM test subjects said that the instructions were "clear and easy to follow". It does not come with an actual mattress, but it can be adapted to a standard 120cm by 60cm mattress. A teething rail kit, and a 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 will last a long time and will withstand the bumps and scrapes that are part of everyday family life. Solid wood cot beds also tend to be made by hand so you can be sure that you're getting a premium product that's been made with care.
Another thing that makes solid-wood cots stand out is that they are often converted into other pieces of 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 be able to use it until they reach six or seven years old. This is a great way to save money and you won't need to buy a new crib for your child once they've outgrown their cot.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the top solid-wood cot beds we've tested, and it has a host of additional features that work to make it an excellent option for any baby. It has a handy drawer, teething rails and two different mattress base height settings that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It's also easy to assemble and our test subjects thought it was the easiest of all the crib bed models we test.
Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot that is perfect for any nursery. It's a gorgeous piece of furniture with rounded edges that make a stunning addition to any room, and it's suitable for newborns as young as three years old. It can be used as a cot, a toddler bed or a junior bed and it can be customised with various accessories to match your personal style.
Of course, when it comes to cot beds, safety is paramount and all cots must comply with strict UK safety standards. You can find details of the safety standards that a specific cot has to adhere to by looking at the main specifications on the website of the manufacturer. Talk to your doctor to help you decide which type of cot is most suitable for your child.