Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wooden crib is an investment for your little one A high-quality piece of furniture should last until the time they begin school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style bed features three mattress positions and can be converted into a toddler's bed with the right extension kit.
The panel took us an hour to put together and the sides are low enough to make washing easy. Our testers were impressed by this simple, classic design.
Material
A real wood cot-bed can be a timeless nursery furniture piece that will be treasured for a long time. It can also stand up to the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult due to the variety of options and styles available.
The best wood cot bed is constructed from strong, durable materials like mahogany or pine. To protect them from water damage, they should be painted, sanded, or stained with child-safe paint. The mattress should be placed comfortably, and marked with the name of the manufacturer and the size. Your child's safety is paramount, so make sure that the cot you pick is in line with the most recent British and European safety standards. It should also be endorsed by a reputable international laboratory.
There are cot beds that meet the needs of all budgets and tastes, whether you prefer a classic sleigh or something more modern. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, practicality and a timeless design. It's designed to last up until your child is old enough to transition into an actual bed. There is a kit available that lets it be converted into a junior-sized bed.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option. It offers many extra features to keep your baby comfy and content. It comes with a drawer underneath to store blankets and nappies, teething rails, and an adjustable base height with three positions. It's also easy to assemble and has great longevity - it can be converted into a bed for toddlers with the purchase of an extension kit.
If you are on a tight budget and want to save money, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great option. It is available in fashionable off-white or green and costs only PS372. It's a standard cot bed and has an adjustable height base that lets you lower the bed as your child grows. It can also be used from birth until age four, and the bars can be removed to make an infant bed.
Design
A cot-bed made of real wood is an investment for the future. It will last for a long time and give your child a safe place to sleep and grow. They are designed to be sturdy and flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of your child with a range of mattress heights and conversion options. They're also a stylish option for any nursery, fitting with the furniture.
There are many different kinds of wooden cot beds and it is essential to think about your style and decor before you buy one. Some are more modern, whereas others have a more traditional design. Some are made of solid wood, while others are made of composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood cot beds are more expensive, but they are sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The most durable wooden cots will last for years, and some can even be converted into a toddler 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 a tent cover to give your child the chance to play with their role and a changing tray for an easy nappy station.
Another excellent alternative is another option is Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot, which is built from FSC pine and finished in a neutral white or soft beige. It's a great choice for a neutral-themed nursery and is simple to set up the panel we tested took less than an hour to get functioning. This cot does not come with an included mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately.
If you're looking for a low-cost cot that doesn't compromise on quality, you could better off with the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It is easy to assemble, and has three mattress heights, so it can be used by your infant from birth until they are four years old. It also has teething rails and is designed to withstand the tests of time thanks to its robust construction.
For a premium buy that will last 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 for toddlers or even a playhouse by removing the bars that hold the cot. It was easy to set up and our testers liked its sturdy feel.
Safety
As parents, you'll want to ensure that your child is safe at all times. This is especially true when they're asleep. A good cot ensures that your baby is comfortable and well-rested. cot bed wood must also be free of dangers like entrapment and suffocation. During your search for the perfect cot, ensure that you are looking for the following safety features:
Make sure that the cot is solid and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Check that the bars do not exceed 95 mm apart. Wider gaps could restrict your baby's arms or head. Also, ensure that there's enough space in the cot to keep your baby from climbing out.
It should also be positioned away from heaters, power points and windows which could pose a risk of overheating. Also, make sure that the cot is free of toys including stuffed animals, toys and other soft objects, which can be a danger to your infant. Also, keep the cot away from blinds and curtains that have cords that could pose an entrapment risk for your child.
Experts in the field test and certify that most new cots or cribs, cot beds or cribs are safe. However, there are some issues that arise when a product goes on the market, therefore it's crucial to be aware of heirloom or second-hand cots that may be older than what is recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may be painted with toxic leaded paint, and old stickers on the sides could peel off and cause an choking hazard for infants. If you're thinking about buying purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure the mattress is new and is in compliance with British safety standards BS EN716.
If you're in search of a multi-functional crib that can carry you through your toddler years and beyond, this model from Stokke is worth taking a look. It is elegant, durable and sturdy with three different height levels that will grow with your child, before it can be converted into the bed. It's simple to construct and is backed by our MFM testers praising the directions for being "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't include the mattress, but it can be fitted to the standard 120cm by 60cm mattress. A teething rail kit, and 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 will endure the scrapes and bumps that come with everyday family life. Solid wood cots are also typically made by hand, so you'll know you're getting something of high quality that is carefully crafted.
Solid-wood cots are also notable for their ability to be transformed into other furniture for nursery. 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 can use it until they reach seven or six years old. This gives you great value for money and means that you won't have to buy a new crib when your child starts to outgrow it.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood crib is among our top picks. It is packed with lots of features that make it a great choice for any baby. It has a drawer, teething rails and two mattress height settings. It's also easy to put together and our test participants considered it to be the most simple of all the crib beds we tested.
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 will make a stunning addition to any room, and it's suitable for babies as young as three years old. It can be used as a cot, toddler bed, or a junior bed. It can be customised with various accessories to suit your personal style.
Safety is of course a top priority when it comes cot beds and all cots are required to comply with strict UK safety regulations. You can find details of the safety standards that a specific cot has to follow by reviewing the key specs on the manufacturer's website. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure which type of cot would be best for your child.
