Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A solid wood cot-bed is a wise investment in your child's future. A good piece of furniture will last until the time they enter school (insert the crying emoji). This Scandi-style bed features three mattress positions and can be converted into a toddler's bed with the right extension kit.

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

Material

A solid wood cot-bed is an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that can be cherished for a long time. It can also to withstand the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult due to the variety of styles and features available.

The best wood cot bed is constructed from strong and durable materials such as mahogany or pine. To protect them from water damage, they must be sanded and painted or stained using paint safe for children. The mattress should be placed snugly, and labelled with the name of the manufacturer and 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 respected international laboratory.

There are cot beds that satisfy every budget and taste, whether you prefer traditional sleighs or a more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a beautiful choice that offers premium quality and functionality, with a timeless design to match. It's designed to last until your child is ready to go to bed and can be made into an adult bed with the help of an optional set.

Another option is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which has plenty of extra features to keep your baby entertained and comfortable. It features a drawer for nappies, blankets and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted to three different positions. It is also easy to put together, and has a long lifespan. With the purchase of an expansion kit, you can transform it into a toddler's bed.

If you're on a strict budget, you can also consider the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed, which is available in off-white or fashionable green for just PS372. It is a standard cot bed and has an adjustable height base that allows you to lower the bed 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 (fakenews.win) is an investment that can last for years and provide a secure environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are durable and flexible and can be adjusted to meet your child's changing needs with a variety of mattress heights. They're also a chic option for any nursery as they can be incorporated into furniture.

There are a myriad of kinds of wooden cot beds and it is important to think about your style and décor before you buy one. Some are more modern, whereas others are more traditional in style. Some are constructed from solid wood, while others are manufactured from composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood bed frames are more expensive, but they are sturdier and more durable than MDF models.

The most durable wooden cots will last for a long time and some of them can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. One of the best examples is the Stokke Home Bed, which converts from a cot the size of a junior bed, then a stylish sofa. The Stokke Home Bed comes with additional accessories like a tent to allow your child to play with their toys and a changing table to serve as an easy diaper station.

The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is a different option. It is made of FSC pine wood cot bed and finished in a neutral beige or white wooden cot bed. It's a good choice for a neutral-themed nursery, and it's easy to put together - our panel took just an hour to get up and running. The cot doesn't have mattresses, so you'll need to purchase a mattress separately.

The Elementary cot from John Lewis Anyday is a ideal choice for those looking for a budget cot without sacrificing quality. It's easy to set up and includes three mattress height positions, so that it can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It's also built to stand the test of time and features strong construction.

For a premium buy that will last from infant to toddler, check out the Little Interiors 1950s inspired cot from Danish brand Done by Deer. It's an original piece that can be made into a low-level toddler bed or even a playhouse with the removal of the bars for the cot. It was simple to put together and our testers liked its solid feel.

Safety

As parents, you will want to ensure your baby is secure at all times. This is especially important when they're asleep. A quality cot will ensure that your baby is comfortable and well-fed. It must also be free of dangers, such as entrapment or suffocation. When looking for the perfect cot, think about the following safety features.

Ensure the cot is solid and sturdy and there are no gaps between the bars. Verify that the bars don't exceed 95 mm apart. The larger gaps can hinder your baby's arms and head. Also, ensure there's enough depth in the cot bed dark wood to prevent your baby from climbing out.

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

Experts in the field test and certify that most new cots, cot beds and cribs are safe. However, some problems can arise when a product goes on the market, therefore it is important to be cautious of heirloom or second-hand cots that may be older than the recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have been painted with toxic lead paint. Old stickers on the sides of the cot could be removed and create a choking risk for babies. 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 your baby through the toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth a look. It's elegant, durable and sturdy, with three different height levels that increase with your child before it can be converted into an actual bed. Our MFM testers reported that the instructions were "clear and easy to follow". It does not come with a mattress but it can be fitted with an ordinary 120cm x60cm one. You can also purchase 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 be able to take on the scuffs and scrapes that come with daily family life. Solid wood cots are usually made by hand, which means you know that you're getting a piece that is of the highest quality and has been carefully designed.

Solid-wood cots are also noted for their capacity to be converted into other furniture for the nursery. This is particularly true of the Boori Evolution range of furniture that can be turned into a toddler bed, and even a sofa bed, so that it will last your child until they're 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 solid-wood cot bed is among our top picks. It has a lot of features that make it a great option for any baby. It has a handy drawer, teething rails, and two mattress base height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also very easy to put together and our test subjects found it to be the most simple of all the cot beds that we test.

Another solid-wood cot bed white and wood that's ideal for any nursery is the Scandi Classic Cot Bed from Ickle Bubba. It is a beautiful piece with rounded corners that will look great in any room. It's suitable for infants to three-year-olds. It can be used as a cot or toddler bed, and can be customized with a variety of accessories to match your preferences.

Of course when it comes to cot beds, safety is of paramount importance and all cots must comply with strict UK safety standards. On the website of the manufacturer you can read about the safety standards that a cot must meet. Talk to your doctor to help you decide which type of cot is best for your child.