Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wood crib is an investment for your child - a good quality piece should last until your child starts school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style number features three mattress positions and can be converted into a bed for toddlers with the right extension kit.
It took our panel an hour to put together, and the sides are low enough to make washing simple. Our testers loved the 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 will also be able to withstand the bumps and bruises that are inevitable in the family life. However, choosing the right one is tricky with so many different styles and features on offer.
The best cot beds made of wood are made from strong, durable materials such as pine or mahogany. They should be sanded and stained or painted with child-safe paint to guard against water damage. The mattress should be placed comfortably, and marked with the name of the manufacturer and size. Your child's safety is the most important thing. Make sure the cot you select meets the most current British safety standards and European safety regulations. It should be endorsed by an internationally renowned laboratory.
Whether you're seeking an old-fashioned sleigh style or something more contemporary, there is a cot bed that will fit your budget and style. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functionality and a timeless design. It's designed to last until your toddler is ready to go to bed and can be made into a junior bed with the help of an optional set.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another alternative. It offers many extra features that will keep your baby comfortable and content. It features a drawer to store blankets, nappies and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted in three different positions. It's also simple to put together and has great longevity and can be transformed into a toddler bed with the purchase of an extension kit.
If you're on a strict budget, there is also the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed it is available in off-white or stylish green and is priced at PS372. It uses the standard cot bed and comes with a height-adjustable 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 create a toddler bed.
Design
A real wood cot-bed is an investment for the future. It will last for many years and provide your child with a safe and secure place to sleep and develop. They are designed to last and versatile, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs with a range of mattress base heights and conversion options. They are also a stylish option for any nursery, blending into the furniture.
There are a variety of wooden cot beds, and it is important to think about your style and decor before you buy one. Some are more modern, and others are more traditional in style. Some are made of solid wood and others are made from composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood bed frames are more expensive, but they are sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The best wooden cots will last for a long time and some of them can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to a junior bed and then a stylish sofa. It also comes with other accessories, like an outdoor cover that gives your child role-play opportunities, and a changing tray for an easy nappy station.
The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is a different alternative. It is made of FSC Pine and finished in a neutral beige or white. Cots 4 Tots UK 's a great choice for a neutral-themed nursery, and is simple to assemble - our panel took just an hour to get it functioning. The cot doesn't have a mattress included it, so you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.
If you're looking for a low-cost cot that isn't compromising on quality, you can do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's simple to put together and comes with three mattress height settings so it can be used by your baby from birth until they are four years old. It's also designed to last the long haul and is built with an extremely sturdy structure.
If you're looking for a high-end product that lasts 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 turned into a low-level bed for toddlers or even a playhouse by taking out the cot bars. It was fairly easy to build and our test subjects really appreciated the sturdy feel of it.
Safety
As parents you want your child to be secure at all times, and especially during sleep. A good cot ensures that your child is secure and well-rested. It must be free of dangers like entrapment and suffocation. When looking for the perfect cot, think about the following safety features.
Check that the bars are not more than 95 mm apart. Check that the bars are not more than 95 millimetres apart. bigger gaps could trap your baby's head or arms. Also, make sure there's enough space in the cot to keep your baby from climbing out.
It should also be positioned away from windows and power points, which can pose the danger of overheating. You should also make sure that the cot is free of toys, stuffed animals and other soft items, which could be a suffocation hazard for your child. It is also important to keep your cot away form curtains and blinds that have cords. These can pose a strangulation risk for your child.
Experts in the field test and confirm that the majority of new cots or cribs, cot beds or cribs are safe. However, some problems can arise when a product goes on the market, therefore it's important to be wary of second-hand or heirloom cribs that are older than recommended. Cots made before 1973 could have been painted with toxic lead paint. Older stickers on the sides of the cot could be removed and create an choking hazard for infants. If you're considering buying an old cot, be sure that the mattress is brand new and is in compliance with British safety standards, such as BS EN716.
This multi-functional cot by Stokke will take you through the toddler years of your child and beyond. It's sleek, sturdy and durable, with three levels of height to accommodate your child's growth before you convert it to a bed. Our MFM testers reported that the instructions were "clear and easy to follow". It does not have a mattress included, but can be fitted with an ordinary 120cm x60cm one. A teething rail kit and a storage drawer 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. You'll find furniture that lasts for a long time and can stand up to the scrapes and bumps that come with everyday family life. Solid wood cots are also usually made by hand, so you'll know you're getting a piece that is of the highest quality and has been carefully designed.
Another feature that makes solid-wood cots stand out is 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 can use it until they reach six or seven years old. This is a great value for money, and it means that you don't have to buy a brand new cot once your child starts to outgrow it.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood cot bed is among our top picks. It is packed with lots of features that make it a good option for any baby. It has a drawer, teething rails and two mattress height settings. It's also extremely easy to put together and our test subjects found it to be the simplest of all of the cot 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. It will look lovely in any room and is suitable for newborns up to three years old. It can be used as an infant bed or a cot, and can be customized with different accessories to suit your preferences.
Safety is of course a top priority when it comes to cot beds and all cots have to conform to strict UK safety regulations. You can find details of the safety regulations that a particular cot must be able to comply with by reading the specifications on the website of the manufacturer. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure which type of cot would be most suitable for your child.