Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

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

The panel took us an hour to put together, and the sides are low enough to allow for easy washing. Our testers loved the clean, classic design.

Material

A real wood cot-bed is an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that will be treasured for a long time. It can also endure the inevitable bumps and bruises that come with family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult due to the variety of designs and features to choose from.

The best wood cot bed is constructed of sturdy, durable materials like mahogany or pine. They should be sanded down and stained or painted with child-safe paint to guard against water damage. They must also have a mattress that is snug and is labeled with the name of the manufacturer and size. Your child's safety is of the utmost importance, so be sure that the cot you pick is compliant with the latest British and European safety standards. It should also be approved by a respected international laboratory.

If you're seeking traditional sleigh designs or something more contemporary there's a cot bed that will fit your taste and budget. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functional and an elegant design. It is built to last up until your toddler is ready to move into an actual bed. A kit is available that allows it to be converted into a junior bed.

Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which comes with plenty of extra features to keep your baby happy and comfortable. It has a useful drawer beneath to keep nappies and blankets as well as teething rails and an adjustable base height that can be adjusted to three positions. It's also easy to assemble and lasts for a long time - it can be converted into a bed for toddlers with the purchase of an extension kit.

If you're on a strict budget, you can consider the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed, which is available in off-white or trendy green and costs just PS372. It's a standard cot bed and has a height-adjustable base that allows you to lower the bed as your child grows. It's also suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four 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 a wise investment that can last for years and provide a safe environment for your child to grow and rest. They are designed to be sturdy and adaptable and adaptable to your child's needs with a range of mattress heights and conversion options. They're also a stylish option for any nursery, blending in with the rest of your furniture.

When you are looking to purchase a wooden cot bed, it's important to consider your style and design. Some are more traditional, while others are more modern in design. Some are made of solid wood cotbed wood while others are made from composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood cots are more expensive but are also more durable and robust than MDF models.

The best wooden cots will last for years, and some can even be converted into a toddler bed. Stokke Home Bed is a great example. It can be converted from a crib into a junior bed, and then into a stylish couch. It also comes with extras such as an outdoor cover that gives your child role-play opportunities and a changing tray that can be used as an easy nappy station.

Another excellent alternative is another option is Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot, which is built from FSC pine and decorated in a neutral white or soft beige. It's a great option for a neutral-themed nursery and it's easy to assemble it took us less than an hour to get up and running. This cot doesn't come with mattresses it, so you'll have to purchase one separately.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly cot that isn't compromising on quality, you'll be able to choose the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's easy to put together and has 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.

Check out the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a high-end product that will last from baby to toddler. It's a unique piece that can be turned into a low-level bed suitable for toddlers or even a playhouse by taking out the cot bars. It was relatively easy to build and our testers really liked the sturdy feel.

Safety

As parents, you'll want to ensure that your baby is secure at all times. This is especially important when they are asleep. A cot that is well-constructed will ensure your baby is well-rested and comfortable. It should be free of hazards like suffocation or entrapment. When you are searching for the ideal cot look for the following safety features:

Ensure the cot is solid and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Verify that the bars are less than 95 mm apart - larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Also, ensure that there's enough depth in the cot to keep your baby from climbing out.

It should be kept away from any heaters or power points, as they can cause overheating. Make sure the cot is free of soft toys, stuffed animals and other objects that could make your baby suffocate. It is also important to keep your cot away form blinds and curtains that have cords. They could pose a strangulation risk for your child.

Experts in the field test and certify that most new cots or cribs, cot beds or cribs are safe. Certain issues can occur after a product is placed on the market. It is essential to be aware of antique or second-hand cots that could be older than what is recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 may have been coated with lead-based toxic paint. Old stickers on the side of the cot could peel off and pose an choking hazard for infants. 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 multifunctional crib that can carry you through your baby's toddler years and beyond, this model from Stokke is worth taking a look. It's sleek, sturdy and sturdy, and comes with three levels of height that allow it to grow with your child before converting it into a bed. It's simple to construct and is backed by our MFM test participants praising the instructions for being "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't have a mattress included, however it can be made with a standard 120cm x 60cm one. You can also purchase teething rail kits 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. This means that you'll get a piece of furniture that will last for years and endure the scuffs and scrapes of everyday family life. Solid natural wood cot bed cot beds also tend to be constructed by hand so you can be sure that you're getting a high-quality product that was crafted with attention to detail.

Solid-wood cots are also notable for their ability to be converted into other furniture for the nursery. This is particularly true of the Boori Evolution furniture range, that can be turned into a bed for toddlers or even a sofa-bed so that your child will be able to use it until they reach seven or six years old. This is an excellent way to save money and you won't need to buy a brand new cot for your child if they're outgrowing their cot.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood cot bed is among our top picks. It is packed with lots of features that make it an excellent choice for any baby. It has a drawer, teething rails and two mattress height settings. It's also incredibly simple to put together and our test participants found it to be the easiest of all of the cot beds we tested.

Another solid-wood cot suitable for any nursery is the Scandi Classic Cot Bed from Ickle Bubba. It's a beautiful piece with rounded corners that will make a stunning addition to any room. It is suitable for newborns to three years old. It can be used as a toddler bed or cot and can be customised by adding different accessories to suit your taste.

Safety is of course paramount when it comes to cot beds and all cots are required to comply with strict UK safety regulations. You can find details of the safety standards that a particular cot needs to follow by reviewing the main specifications on the website of the manufacturer. If you're uncertain about which kind of cot is the most secure for your child, consult your doctor for advice.