Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A solid wood cot-bed is an investment in your child's future. A well-constructed piece of furniture should last them until they enter the school (insert the crying emoticon). This Scandi-style bed features three mattress positions and can be transformed into a toddler bed by using the appropriate extension kit.

The panel took us about an hour to construct and the sides are low to allow for easy washing. Our testers loved this clean classic design.

Material

A solid wooden cotbed crib is a timeless piece nursery furniture that can be loved for many years to come. It is also able to withstand the bumps and bruises that are inevitable in family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult because of the numerous styles and features available.

The most durable wood cot beds are made from strong robust materials like mahogany or pine. To prevent water damage, they should be sanded and painted or stained with paint that is safe for children. They must also have a mattress that is snug and is labeled with the name of the manufacturer and size. The safety of your child is paramount, so make sure that the cot you choose is compliant with the latest British and European safety standards. It must be approved by an internationally recognized laboratory.

Whether you're seeking a classic sleigh design or something more modern, there is an cot bed that is perfect for your taste and budget. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functionality and a timeless design. It's designed to last until your toddler is ready to move into a bed. There is a kit available that allows it to be converted into a junior bed.

Another option is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which comes with many extra features to keep your baby entertained and comfortable. It comes with a drawer for nappies, blankets and teething rails. The height of the base can be adjusted in three different positions. It's also simple to put together and is extremely durable and can be transformed into a bed for toddlers with 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 option. It is available in fashionable green or off-white and costs just PS372. It is the standard mattress for a cot and comes with a height-adjustable base that allows you to lower it as your child grows. It's suitable from birth until the time your child is four and can be used with the bars removed for an adjustable toddler bed that resembles a bench.

Design

A real wood cot bed is an investment that will last for a long time and provide a safe space for your child to grow and sleep. They are designed to be durable and versatile, allowing them to adapt to the changing needs of your child by offering a variety of mattress base heights as well as conversion options. They are also a stylish option for any nursery because they are a perfect match with furniture.

Before you buy a wooden cot, it's important to think about the style and decor you want to create. Some are more modern, and others are more traditional style. Some are constructed from solid wood and others are constructed from composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood bed frames are more expensive, however they can be sturdier and more durable than MDF models.

The most durable wooden cots will last for a long time, and some of them can be converted into a toddler bed. Stokke Home Bed is a excellent example. It converts from a crib to an adult bed, and then a stylish couch. It is also available with additional features, such as the tent cover that can give your child opportunities to role-play, and a changing tray that can be used as a convenient nappy station.

The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is another great alternative. It is made of FSC Pine and is finished in white or beige tones. It's a great option for a neutral nursery, and it is easy to assemble the panel we tested took less than an hour to get functioning. This cot isn't equipped with a mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly cot that doesn't compromise on quality, you could do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's easy to assemble and has three mattress height positions, so that it can be used from the time of birth until your child turns four. 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 an original piece that can be transformed into a low-level toddler bed or even a playhouse through the removal of the cot bars. It was simple to put together and our test subjects liked its sturdy and solid feel.

Safety

As parents, you'll want to ensure your baby is always safe. This is especially important when they are asleep. A cot that is safe and secure will ensure your baby is comfortable and well-rested. It must be free of dangers like entrapment and suffocation. When you are searching for the ideal cot be sure to look for these safety features:

Make sure the cot is sturdy and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Verify that the bars are not more than 95 mm apart - bigger gaps could trap your baby's head or arms. Also, ensure that there's enough depth in the cot to prevent your baby from climbing out.

It should also be placed away from heaters, windows and power points which could pose the risk of overheating. Make sure that the cot is free of soft toys, stuffed animal and other toys that could suffocate your baby. You should also keep the cot free of curtains and blinds with cords that could pose strangulation hazards for your child.

Experts in the field verify and test that all new cots or cribs, cot beds or cribs are safe. Certain issues can occur after a product is put on the market. It is crucial to be aware of older cots or heirlooms that could be older than what is recommended. Cots made before 1973 could have been coated with lead-based toxic paint. Old stickers on the sides of the cot may fall off and pose an choking hazard for infants. If you're thinking about buying purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure that the mattress is brand new and is in compliance with British safety standards BS EN716.

This multi-functional cot from Stokke will take you through the toddler years of your baby and beyond. It is elegant, durable and sturdy, with three different height levels that will increase with your child before you can convert it into a bed. Our MFM testers said that the instructions were "clear and easy to follow". It does not have a mattress included, but it can be fitted with an ordinary 120cm x60cm one. You can also buy a teething rail kit as well as a storage drawers to complement 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 receive a piece of furniture that will last for years and endure the scuffs and scrapes of daily family life. Solid wood cot beds also tend to be constructed by hand and this means you can be certain that you're getting a premium product that's been made with the utmost care.

Solid-wood cots are also notable for their ability to be transformed into other furniture for nursery. This is especially true for the Boori Evolution furniture range, which can be converted into a toddler's bed or even a sofa-bed so that your child will be able to use it until he is seven or six years old. This is a great way to save money, and you won't need to buy a brand new crib for your child once they outgrow their cot.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood crib is among our top picks. It comes with a variety of features that make it a good choice for any baby. It has teething rails, a drawer, and two different mattress height settings. It's also very simple to put together and our test participants found it to be the easiest of all of the cot beds that we test.

Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot bed cot that's perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece with rounded corners that look great in any room. It's suitable for infants to three years old. It can be used as an infant bed or a cot and can be customised with a variety of accessories to match your taste.

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 site of the manufacturer you can read about the safety standards cots must meet. If you're uncertain about which kind of cot bed is safest for your child, ask your doctor for advice.