Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A real wood cot bed is an investment for your child A good quality piece of furniture should last until they start school (insert crying emoticon here). This Scandi-style model comes with three mattress positions. It can be converted into a toddler bed with the right extension kit.
It took our panel 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 solid wood cot bed is a timeless piece of furniture for the nursery that can be kept for a long time. It's also built to withstand the bumps and bruises that happen in family life. But, picking the right one is tricky with so many different styles and features on offer.
The most durable wood cot bed is constructed of sturdy and durable materials such as mahogany or pine. To prevent water damage, they must be sanded and painted or stained with paint that is safe for children. The mattress should be placed well, and labeled with the name of the manufacturer and the size. The safety of your child is paramount. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the latest British safety standards and European safety standards. It should also be endorsed by a respected international laboratory.
Whether you're seeking a classic sleigh design or something more modern there's a cot bed to suit your budget and style. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a beautiful choice that offers 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 help of an optional set.
Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which has numerous extra features to keep your baby entertained and comfortable. It has a drawer that can be used for nappies, blankets and teething rails. The height of the base can be adjusted to three different positions. It's also easy to put together and is extremely durable and can be transformed into a toddler bed by the purchase of an extension kit.
If you are on a tight budget then the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great choice. It comes in stylish green or off-white and costs just PS372. It is an ordinary mattress for a cot, and comes with a height-adjustable base, allowing you to lower it as your child grows. It's also suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old and can be used with the bars removed to create an adjustable toddler bed that resembles a bench.
Design
A real wood cot-bed is an investment for the future. It will last for a long time and give your child a safe place to sleep and develop. They are durable and versatile and can be adapted to meet your child's changing requirements with a variety of mattress heights. They are also a stylish choice for any nursery, blending in with the furniture.
There are a myriad of kinds of wooden cot beds and it is essential to think about your style and design before you buy one. Some are more modern, while others are more traditional in style. Some are constructed from solid wood, while others are manufactured from composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood cots are more costly however they are more durable and robust than MDF models.
The best wooden cots are made to last. Some are even converted into a bed for toddlers. One of the best examples is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to the size of a junior bed, then a stylish sofa. It is also available with other accessories, like a tent cover to give your child the chance to play with their role, and a changing tray to provide an easy nappy station.
Another excellent alternative is another option is Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot made of FSC pine and is finished in a neutral white or soft beige. It is a good option for a nursery with an uncluttered theme. It is also simple to assemble. Our panel took only an hour to put together. The cot doesn't come with a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately.
The Elementary cot from John Lewis Anyday is a great option for those looking for a budget cot without losing quality. It's simple to put together and has three mattress heights so that it can be used from birth right up until your child is four. It also has teething rails and is built to withstand the test of time thanks to its robust construction.
Check out natural wood cot bed -inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a top-quality purchase that lasts from baby to toddler. It's an original piece that can be transformed into a low-level bed suitable for toddlers or a playhouse by removing the bars for the cot. It was fairly simple to construct and our testers loved the sturdy feel.
Safety
As parents, you'll want to ensure that your child is safe at all times. This is particularly true when they're sleeping. A good cot will ensure that your child is well-rested and comfortable. It must be free of dangers like entrapment and suffocation. When looking for the perfect crib, take note of the following safety features.
Make sure that the cot is solid and sturdy, with no gaps between the bars. Make sure the bars are not more than 95 millimetres apart. bigger gaps could trap your baby's head or arms. Make sure the cot is enough depth to prevent your child from climbing out.
It should also be kept away from heaters, power points and windows that could put your baby at a risk of overheating. It is also recommended to keep the cot free of toys such as stuffed animals, toys and other soft items, which could be a suffocation hazard for your infant. You should also keep the cot free of blinds and curtains that have cords, which could be an entrapment risk for your child.
The majority of new cots and beds have been tested and confirmed to be safe by experts in the field. There are some issues that can arise after a product is released to the market. It is crucial to be wary of heirloom or second-hand cots which may be older than recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may be painted with harmful lead paint, while old stickers on the side could peel off and cause dangerous for babies to eat. If you're thinking of buying purchasing a second-hand crib, make sure the mattress is new and meets British safety standards BS EN716.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose cot that will take you through your toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth a look. It's elegant, durable and sturdy, with three different height levels that expand with your child before it can be converted into a bed. It's easy to build and has our MFM testers praising the directions for being "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't come with a mattress but it can be fitted with the standard 120cm x 60cm one. A teething rail kit, as well as storage drawers can be purchased to complement the crib.
Eco-friendly
Solid wood is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it's a strong and durable material. Furniture made of solid wood will last a long time and will withstand the bumps and scrapes that are part of everyday family life. Wooden cots made of solid wood are typically made by hand, which means you know that you're getting a piece of high quality that is carefully crafted.
Another reason solid-wood cots stand out is the fact that they are often able to be transformed into other pieces of nursery furniture. This is particularly 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 have it until he is six or seven years old. This is a great way to save money, and you won't need to buy a brand new cot for your child if they're outgrowing their cot.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the best solid-wood cribs we've tested and it has a host of extra features to make it an excellent choice for any baby. It comes with teething rails, a drawer, and two different mattress height settings. It's also incredibly easy to put together, and our testers found it to be the most simple of all the cot beds we tested.
Another solid-wood cot that's perfect 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 is suitable for infants and children from 3 years old to. It can be used as a cot, toddler bed or junior bed. It can be customized with various accessories to fit your style.
Of course, when it comes to cot beds, safety is paramount and all cots must be in compliance with strict UK safety standards. On the manufacturer's site you can read about the safety standards a cot must meet. Ask your healthcare professional for advice if you're not sure what kind of cot is most suitable for your child.