Edward Costantino

Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A solid dark wood sleigh cot bed cot-bed is an investment in your child's future. A well-constructed piece of furniture is likely to last them until they enter school (insert the crying emoji). The Scandi-style bed comes with three mattress positions, and can be made to a toddler's bed using an extension kit.

Our panel took about an hour to put together, and the sides are low to make washing easy. Our testers loved this clean traditional design.

Material

A solid wood crib is a timeless piece furniture for the nursery that can be loved for many years to come. It can also endure the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. Choosing the right one is difficult due to the variety of styles and features available.

The best cot beds made of wood are made of strong robust materials like pine or mahogany. They should be sanded and stained or painted with child-safe paint to protect against water damage. They should also be fitted with a mattress that fits snugly and is labelled with the brand's name and size. The safety of your child is paramount. Make sure that the crib you choose is in line with the latest British safety standards as well as European safety standards. It should also be endorsed by a reputable international laboratory.

There are cot beds to satisfy every budget and taste, whether you prefer a classic sleigh or something more contemporary. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functionality and a timeless design. It's designed to last until your toddler is ready for bed and can be converted into a junior bed with the help of an optional set.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is a different option. It has a number of additional features that will keep your baby comfy and content. It has a handy drawer beneath to store blankets and nappies, teething rails, and an adjustable height base with three positions. It is also easy to set up, and has a long lifespan. With the purchase of an expansion kit, you can transform it into a toddler's bed.

If you are on a tight budget then the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great option. It comes in stylish off-white and wooden cot bed or green, and is priced at only PS372. It is a standard cot bed and has a height adjustable base that lets you lower the bed as your child grows. It can also be used from birth to age four, and the bars can be removed to make the toddler bed.

Design

A real wood cot bed is a wise investment that can last for years and provide a secure environment for your child to grow and rest. They are designed to be durable and flexible that allows them to adjust to your child's changing needs by offering a variety of mattress base heights as well as conversion options. They're also a stylish option for any nursery, fitting into the furniture.

Before you buy a wooden cot bed it's important to think about your style and decor. Some are more traditional, and others are modern in design. Some are constructed from solid wood and others are constructed from composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood cots are more costly however they are more durable and sturdy than MDF models.

The most durable wooden cots are made to last. Some can even be converted into a toddler's bed. Stokke Home Bed is a good example. It transforms from a crib to a junior bed, and then into a stylish couch. The Stokke Home Bed is available with additional accessories like an outdoor tent that allows your child to play with their toys and a changing table that can be used as a convenient diaper area.

Another great 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 good choice for a neutral-themed nursery and it's easy to put together the panel we tested took less than an hour to get up and running. This cot doesn't come with an included mattress it, so you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.

The Elementary cot from John Lewis Anyday is a ideal choice for those looking for a low-cost cot without sacrifices on quality. It's simple to put together and has three mattress height positions so that it can be used from birth up until your child is four. It also comes with teething rails that are designed to stand the test of time thanks to its solid construction.

Take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a top-quality purchase that will last from baby to toddler. It's an original piece that can be turned into a low-level toddler bed or even a playhouse through the removal of the cot bars. It was easy to set up and our test subjects liked its sturdy feel.

Safety

As parents, you will want to ensure that your child is safe at all times. This is particularly true when they're asleep. A good cot will ensure that your baby is well-rested and comfy. It must be free from dangers such as suffocation and entrapment. When you are searching for the ideal cot look for the following safety features:

Check that the bars aren't greater than 95 mm apart. Verify that the bars are not more than 95 mm apart - bigger gaps could trap your baby's head or arms. Make sure that the cot has enough depth to prevent your child from climbing out.

It should be placed away from heaters and power points, as they can cause overheating. Also, keep the cot free of toys including stuffed animals, toys and other soft items, which could pose an entrapment risk for your child. You should also keep your cot away form blinds and curtains with cords. They could cause strangulation for your child.

Experts in the field test and confirm that the majority of new cots, cot beds and cribs are safe. However, some issues emerge after a product is placed on the market, so it's important to be wary of heirloom or second-hand cots that may be older than recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may be painted with harmful lead paint, and old stickers on the sides may peel off and create an choking hazard for infants. If you are thinking of buying an old cot, be sure that the mattress is brand new and is in compliance with British safety standard BS EN716.

If you're looking for a multi-purpose cot that can take you through your baby's toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth taking a look. It's sturdy, stylish and durable, with three different height levels that expand with your child before it can be converted into a bed. Our MFM test subjects said that the instructions were "clear and simple to follow". It doesn't come with a mattress, but can be fitted to a standard 120cm by 60cm mattress. A teething rail kit as well as storage drawers can be purchased to match the crib.

Eco-friendly

Solid wood is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it's a strong and durable material. This means you'll get furniture that will last for a long time and be able to stand up to the bumps and scrapes that come with daily family life. Wooden cots made of solid wood are often constructed by hand, so you know that you're getting an item of high quality that has been crafted carefully.

Another reason solid-wood cots stand out is the fact that they are often converted into other pieces of furniture for nursery. This is especially true for the Boori Evolution range of furniture that can be turned into a toddler bed cot wooden, and even a sofa bed so that it will last your child right through six or seven years old. This is a great value for money and also means that you don't need to buy a new cot when your little one is starting 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 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 easy to assemble and our testers thought it was the easiest of all the cot bed models we test.

Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot that's perfect for any nursery. It is a beautiful piece with rounded corners that make a stunning addition to any room. It's suitable from newborns to three-year-olds. It can be used for a toddler bed or cot, and can be customized with different accessories to suit your personal preferences.

Of course, when it comes to cot beds, safety is of paramount importance and all cots have to comply with the strict UK safety standards. On the manufacturer's site, you can find out the safety standards that cots must meet. Consult your physician if you are unsure which type of cot is most suitable for your child.