Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wooden cot bed is an investment for your little one – a good quality piece of furniture should last until they start school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style model features three mattress positions and can be converted into a toddler bed by using the appropriate extension kit.
The panel took us about an hour to assemble and the sides are low to allow for easy washing. Our testers loved this sleek traditional design.
Material
A real wood cot bed is a timeless piece furniture for children that can be loved for many years to come. It’s also built to stand up to the bumps and bruises that are inevitable in family life. However, choosing the right one is difficult due to the numerous styles and features on offer.
The most durable wood cot bed is constructed from strong solid, durable materials like 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 the size. The safety of your child is of paramount importance, so make sure that the cot you choose is in line with the most recent British and European safety standards. It should also be endorsed by a reputable international laboratory.
There are cot beds to suit every taste and budget and budget, whether you want a classic sleigh or something more contemporary. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a gorgeous option that comes with high-end quality and function, with a timeless design to match. It is designed to last 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.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another alternative. It comes with a variety of extra features to keep your baby comfortable and happy. It has a handy drawer underneath to keep nappies and blankets, teething rails, and an adjustable base height with three positions. It’s also easy to assemble and lasts for a long time It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers with the purchase of an extension kit.
If you are on a budget, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great choice. It comes in stylish green or off-white and costs only PS372. It takes an ordinary cot mattress and has a height-adjustable base that allows you to lower it as your child grows. It can also be used from birth up to age four, and the bars can be removed to make an infant bed.
Design
A real wood cot bed is an investment that can last for a long time and provide a safe environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are designed to last and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child’s changing needs with a variety of mattress base heights and conversion options. They’re also a chic option for any nursery because they can be incorporated into furniture.
There are many different kinds of wooden cot bed and mattress cot beds and it is essential to consider your style and decor before you buy one. Some are more traditional, while others are more modern in design. Some are made of solid wood and others are made using composite materials like MDF. Solid-wood beds are more expensive, but they are sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The best wooden cots are constructed to last. Some of them even convert into a bed for toddlers. Stokke Home Bed is a good example. It converts from a crib to an adult bed, and then into a stylish couch. It also comes with additional features, such as a tent cover to give your child role-play opportunities and a changing tray to provide the convenience of a nappy area.
Another great alternative is the Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot constructed from FSC pine and decorated in a neutral white or soft beige. It’s a great option for a neutral nursery, and it is easy to assemble the panel we tested took less than an hour to get up and running. This cot does not come with an included mattress, so you’ll need to buy one 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 comes with three mattress heights so that it can be used from the time of birth until your child is four. It also has teething rails and is built to stand up to the test of time with a sturdy construction.
For a premium buy 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 converted into a low-level bed for toddlers or a playhouse simply by taking out the bars that hold the cot. It was easy to set up and our testers loved its solid feel.
Safety
As parents as parents, you want your child to be secure at all times, especially when they are asleep. A quality cot will ensure that your child is secure and well-rested. It must be free of dangers such as suffocation and entrapment. While searching for the ideal cot, look for the following safety features:
Make sure that the cot is solid and sturdy, with no gaps between the bars. Make sure that the bars don’t exceed 95 millimetres apart. Wider gaps could trap your baby’s arms or head. Make sure the cot has enough depth to stop your child from climbing out.
It should be placed away from power and heaters points, as they could cause overheating. Make sure that the cot is free of soft toys, stuffed animal and other objects that could make your baby suffocate. You should also keep your cot away form blinds and curtains with cords. They could be a strangulation hazard for your child.
The majority of cots and beds have been tested and verified to be safe by experts in the field. However, some issues emerge after a product is put on the market, so it is important to be cautious of heirloom or second-hand beds that are older than the recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have been coated with lead-based toxic paint. Older stickers on the sides of the cot can fall off and pose an choking hazard for infants. If you’re considering purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure that the mattress is brand new and meets British safety standards BS EN716.
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose cot that can take your baby through the toddler years and beyond, this model from Stokke is worth a look. It’s sturdy, stylish and durable with three different height levels that expand with your child before you convert it into a bed. It’s simple to construct, with our MFM test participants praising the instructions for being “clear and easy to follow”. It does not include a mattress, but can be fitted with the standard 120cm x 60cm one. A teething rail kit, and storage drawers can be bought to complete the crib.
Eco-friendly
Solid wood and white cot bed is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it’s a strong and durable material. This means you’ll receive a piece of furniture that will last for years and take on the scuffs and scrapes that come with daily family life. Solid wood cots are often made by hand, so you know that you’re getting an item of top quality that has been carefully designed.
Solid-wood cots are also noted for their capacity to be transformed into other nursery furniture. This is especially true for the Boori Evolution furniture range, that can be turned into a toddler’s bed, or even a sofa bed so that your child will have it until they reach seven or six years old. This is a great way to save money, and you won’t have to buy a new cot for your child when they’re outgrowing their cot.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the top solid-wood cribs we’ve tried, and it comes with plenty of additional features that work to make it a fantastic choice for any baby. It has a drawer, teething rails, and two different mattress height settings. It’s also easy to put together and our test subjects considered it to be the most simple of all the crib beds we test.
Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot perfect for any nursery. It’s a beautiful piece with rounded corners and will look great in any room. It’s suitable for infants to three-year-olds. It can be used as a cot, toddler bed, or a junior bed. It can be customized with a variety of accessories to suit your style.
Of course when it comes to cot beds, safety is of paramount importance and all cots must comply with strict UK safety standards. On the manufacturer’s site, you can find out the safety standards a cot must meet. Ask your healthcare professional for advice if you’re not sure what kind of cot is best for your child.