Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wood cot-bed is an investment in your child's future. A quality piece of furniture is likely to last until they start school (insert the crying emoticon). This Scandi-style bed features three mattress positions and can be converted into a toddler bed by using the right extension kit.
Our panel took about an hour to put together and the sides are low enough to allow for easy washing. Our testers were impressed by the simple classic design.
Material
A real wood cot-bed can be an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that can be cherished for a long time. It will also be able stand up to the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. But, picking the right one can be difficult with the many options and styles available.
The best cot beds made of wood are made from strong robust materials like mahogany or pine. They should be sanded and stained or painted with child-safe paint to protect 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 crib you choose meets the most current British safety standards as well as European safety standards. It should also be endorsed by a respected international laboratory.
If you're looking for an old-fashioned sleigh style or something more contemporary There's a cot bed that will fit your preferences and budget. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a gorgeous option that comes with premium quality and functionality, with a timeless design to match. It's designed to last until your child is ready for a bed and can be made into an adult bed with the aid of an optional kit.
Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which comes with many extra features to keep your baby happy and comfortable. It features a drawer to store blankets, nappies and teething rails. The height of the base can be adjusted in three different positions. It is also easy to set up, and has a long lifespan. When you buy an expansion kit, you can transform it into a bed for toddlers.
If you're on a tight budget, 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 is the standard mattress for a cot and comes with a height-adjustable base, allowing you to lower it as your baby grows. It is also suitable for use from birth until 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 many years and give your child a safe place to sleep and develop. They are designed to be sturdy and flexible that allows them to adjust to your child's needs with a variety of mattress base heights and conversion options. They're also a chic option for any nursery since they can be incorporated into other furniture.
Before you buy a wooden cot, it is important to consider the style and decor you want to create. Some are more traditional, and others are modern in design. Some are made from solid wood, while others are made of composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood cots are more expensive but are also more durable and durable than MDF models.
The best wooden cots can last for years, and some are transformed into a bed for toddlers. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, which converts from a cot the size of a junior bed, then an elegant sofa. It is also available with additional features, such as an outdoor cover that gives your child the chance to play with their role and a changing tray that can be used as the convenience of a nappy area.
Another great alternative is another option is Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot made of FSC pine and is finished in neutral white or soft beige. It's a great choice for a neutral-themed nursery, and is simple to assemble - our panel took just an hour to get up and running. The cot doesn't have mattresses it, so you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.
The Elementary cot from John Lewis Anyday is a great option for those seeking a cot for less money without losing quality. It's easy to set up and includes three mattress heights so that it can be used from birth right until your child turns four. It also includes teething rails and is designed to withstand the tests of time thanks to its solid construction.
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 exclusive piece that can be turned into a low-level toddler bed or even a playhouse through the removal of the bars on the cot. It was easy to set up and our test subjects liked its sturdy and solid feel.
Safety
As parents as parents, you want your child to be secure throughout the day, particularly when asleep. A quality cot will ensure that your child is secure and well-rested. It must also be free of dangers, such as entrapment or suffocation. During your search for the ideal 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. Make sure the bars are less than 95 millimetres apart. larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Also, ensure that there's enough room within the cot to stop your baby from climbing out.
It should also be kept away from windows and power points which could pose a risk of overheating. Make sure that the cot is free of soft toys, stuffed animals and other items that can make your baby suffocate. You should also keep the cot away from blinds and curtains that have cords, which could be a strangulation hazard for your child.
Most new cots and cot beds have been tested and confirmed to be safe by industry experts. However, there are some issues that arise when a product goes on the market, so it's important to be wary of second-hand or heirloom cribs that are older than recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 could be painted with toxic leaded paint, and the old stickers on the side could peel off and cause a choking hazard for babies. If you're considering buying a used cot, make sure that the mattress is new and has been tested to meet the British safety standards, such as BS EN716.
This multi-functional cot from Stokke will take you through the toddler years of your baby and beyond. It's elegant, durable and sturdy, with three different height levels that will expand with your child before it can be converted into the bed. It's easy to construct and has our MFM testers praising the directions for being "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't come with the mattress, but it can be fitted to an existing 120cm x 60cm mattress. You can also purchase a teething rail kit and storage drawer to go with it.
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 period of time and can endure the scrapes and bumps that come with everyday family life. Solid wood cot beds also are usually made by hand, therefore you can be assured that you're getting a premium product that has been crafted with care.
Another feature that makes solid-wood cots stand out is the fact that they are often able to be transformed into other pieces of nursery furniture. This is especially true for 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 value for money, and it means that you don't need to purchase a new cot once your child is starting to outgrow it.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood cot bed is one of our top choices. It is packed with lots of features that make it a great option for any baby. It comes with a useful drawer, teething rails, and two mattress base height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also extremely simple to put together and our testers found it to be the simplest of all of the cot beds that we tested.
Another solid-wood cot that's ideal for any nursery is the Scandi Classic Cot Bed from Ickle Bubba. It's a stunning piece with rounded corners that will look great in any room. It is suitable for newborns to three-year-olds. It can be used as a cot, a toddler bed or a junior bed. It can be customised with various accessories to fit your style.
Of course when it comes to cot beds, safety is the top priority and all cots must comply with strict UK safety standards. On cots4tots can learn about the safety standards cots must comply with. If you're not sure what type of cot bed is the most secure for your child, ask your doctor for advice.