Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A solid wood cot-bed is a good investment for your child's future. A quality piece of furniture is likely to last them until they enter school (insert the crying emoji). This Scandi-style bed features three mattress positions and can be transformed to a toddler's bed using the right extension kit.

Our panel took about an hour to construct, and the sides are low enough to make washing a breeze. Our testers were impressed by this simple, classic design.

Material

A solid wooden cot bed is a timeless piece of furniture for children that will be treasured for years to come. It can also endure the inevitable bumps and bruises that come with family life. However, picking the right one is difficult with the many options and styles available.

The best cot bed made of wood is constructed from strong solid, durable materials like pine or mahogany. To prevent water damage, they must be painted, sanded, or stained with paint that is safe for children. They should also have a fitted mattress that is comfortable and is labeled with the name of the manufacturer and size. Your child's safety is paramount. Make sure that the cot you select meets the latest British safety standards and European safety regulations. It should also be endorsed by a reputable international laboratory.

There are cot beds that meet the needs of all budgets and tastes regardless of whether you prefer traditional sleighs or something more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a beautiful choice that offers high-end quality and function with a timeless style to match. It is built to last up until your child is old enough to be able to sleep in the bed. There is a kit available that permits it to be converted into a junior bed.

Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which has numerous extra features to keep your baby happy and comfortable. It has a useful drawer underneath to keep nappies and blankets, teething rails, and an adjustable base height with three positions. It is also simple to assemble, and it has a long life. When you buy an expansion kit, you can turn it into a bed for toddlers.

If you're on an extremely tight budget, you can consider the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed it is available in off-white or trendy green for just PS372. It's an ordinary cot bed and has an adjustable height 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 an infant bed.

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 rest. They are durable and adaptable and can be adapted to meet your child's changing requirements with a variety of mattress base heights. They also make a fashionable option for any nursery because they are a perfect match with other furniture.

There are a variety of grey wooden cot bed cot beds, and it is important to consider your style and decor before you buy one. Some are more modern, and others have a more traditional design. Some are made of solid wood, while others are made from composite materials like MDF. Solid-wood bed frames are more expensive, however they are sturdier and more durable than MDF models.

The best wooden cots will last for years, and some of them can be converted into a toddler bed. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, which converts from a cot an adult bed, and later a stylish 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 for an easy nappy station.

The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is another great option. It is made of FSC Pine and is finished in a neutral white or beige. It's a good choice for a neutral-themed nursery and is simple to set up the panel we tested took less than an hour to get up and running. The cot doesn't come with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly cot that isn't compromising on quality, you could choose the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It is easy to assemble and comes with three mattress heights so that it can be used by your baby from birth until they are four years old. It's designed to stand the test of time and features a sturdy construction.

Take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a high-end product that will last from infant to toddler. It's an original piece that can be transformed into a toddler bed with a low-level or even a playhouse with the removal of the bars for the cot. It was relatively simple to construct and our test subjects really appreciated the sturdy feel.

Safety

As parents, you'll want to ensure that your baby is always safe. This is especially important when they're asleep. A cot that is safe and secure will ensure that your child is safe and well-fed. It must also be free of dangers, such as entrapment or suffocation. During your search for the ideal cot be sure to look for these safety features:

Check that the bars aren't more than 95 mm apart. Check that the bars are less than 95 mm apart - larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Also, make sure there's enough space in the cot to prevent your baby from climbing out.

It should be placed away from any heaters or power points, as they could cause 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 your cot free of blinds and curtains that have cords. They could be a strangulation hazard for real wood cot bed your child.

Experts in the industry test and confirm that the majority of new cots as well as cribs and cot beds are safe. However, some issues emerge after a product is placed on the market, therefore it's important to be wary of heirloom or second-hand cribs that are older than recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have been painted with toxic lead paint. Older stickers on the side of the cot can peel off and pose the risk of choking for infants. If you're thinking of buying purchasing a second-hand crib, make sure the mattress is new and is in compliance with British safety standards BS EN716.

If you're looking for a multifunctional cot that can take you through your toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth a look. It's stylish, solid and durable, with three levels of height to allow your child to grow before it can be converted into a bed. Our MFM testers said 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, 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 a piece of furniture that will last for many years and endure the scuffs and scrapes of daily family life. Wooden cots made of solid wood are usually constructed by hand, so you'll know you're getting something that is of the highest quality and has been carefully designed.

Another reason solid-wood cots stand out is the fact that they are often converted into other pieces of furniture for nursery. This is particularly true of the Boori Evolution range of furniture that can be converted into a toddler bed, and even a sofa bed, so that it can last your child right up until they're six or seven years old. This is a great value for money, and it means that you don't have to buy a new cot when your little one is starting to outgrow it.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the best solid-wood bed cot design cribs we've tested and it comes with plenty of extra features to make it a fantastic 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 incredibly easy to put together, and our test subjects found it to be the easiest of all the cot beds that we test.

Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot that is perfect for any nursery. It is a beautiful piece with rounded corners that look great in any room. It is suitable for newborns to three-year-olds. It can be used for a toddler bed or cot bed natural wood and can be made to order with different accessories to suit your personal preferences.

Safety is of course a top priority when it comes cot beds and all cots have to be in compliance with strict UK safety regulations. On the site of the manufacturer you can read about the safety standards cots must comply with. If you're not sure what kind of cot bed is safest for your child, consult your doctor for guidance.