Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wood cot bed is a wise investment for your little one - a good quality piece should last until the time they begin school (insert crying emoticon here). The Scandi-style bed comes with three mattress positions and can be transformed into a toddler's bed with the right extension kit.
It took our panel an hour to put together and the sides are low enough to allow for easy washing. Our test subjects loved the clean, classic design.
Material
A solid wooden cot bed is a timeless piece of furniture for the nursery that will be kept for a long time. It will also be able stand up to the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult with so many options and styles available.
The best wood cot beds are made from strong, durable materials such as mahogany or pine. They should be sanded and stained or painted with child-safe paint to guard against water damage. The mattress should be fitted well, and labeled with the name of the manufacturer and the size. The safety of your child is paramount. Make sure that the cot you select meets the most recent British safety standards and European safety standards. It should be approved by an internationally renowned laboratory.
There are cot beds to satisfy every budget and taste and budget, whether you want traditional sleighs or a more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a stunning option that provides premium quality and functionality and a timeless design to match. It is designed to last up until your toddler is ready to transition into a bed. There is a kit available that permits it to be converted into a junior bed.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is a different alternative. It offers many extra features to keep your baby snug and happy. It features a drawer to store nappies, blankets and teething rails. The height of the base can be adjusted in three different positions. It's also simple to put together and has great longevity It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers with the purchase of an extension kit.
If you are on a budget and want to save money, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great choice. It is available in fashionable green or off-white and costs just PS372. It's the standard cot bed and has an adjustable height base that lets you lower the bed as your child grows. It's also suitable for use from birth until your child is four. It can be used with the bars removed for the appearance of a bench-style toddler's bed.
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 last and versatile that allows them to adjust to your child's needs with a range of mattress heights and conversion options. They're also a stylish option for any nursery, and blend into the furniture.
Before you buy a wooden cot, it is important to consider your style and design. Some are more traditional, and others are more modern in design. Some are made from solid wood and others are constructed using composite materials like MDF. Solid-wood bed frames are more expensive, however they can be sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The most durable wooden cots will last for a long time, and some of them can be transformed into a toddler bed. cot bed wood of the best examples 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 other accessories, like a tent cover to give your child role-play opportunities, and a changing tray for an easy nappy station.
The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is a different alternative. It is constructed from FSC Pine and finished in a neutral beige or white. 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 functioning. This cot doesn't come with a mattress included and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly cot that isn't compromising on quality, you'll be able to better off with the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It is easy to assemble and has three mattress heights so that it can be used for your infant from birth to four years old. It also has teething rails and is designed to stand the test of time thanks to its sturdy construction.
Take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a premium purchase that will last from baby to toddler. It's a unique piece that can be turned to a bed that is low-level for toddlers or a playhouse simply by cutting off the cot bars. It was relatively easy to put together and our test subjects really appreciated the sturdy feel.
Safety
As parents you want your child to be safe at all times, and especially when they are asleep. A good cot will ensure your baby is well-rested and comfortable. It must also be free of dangers like entrapment and suffocation. When searching for the perfect cot, consider the following safety features.
Check that the bars aren't more than 95 millimetres apart. Verify that the bars do not exceed 95 mm apart. Wider gaps could hinder your baby's arms and head. Make sure the cot is enough depth to prevent your child from escaping.
It should be placed away from heaters and power points, since they can cause overheating. You should also keep the cot clear of toys such as stuffed animals, toys and other soft objects, which could be a danger to your infant. You should also keep the cot clear of blinds and curtains that have cords that could pose an entrapment risk for your child.
Experts in the industry verify and test that all new cots, cot beds and cribs are safe. However, some problems can arise when a product goes on the market, therefore it's important to be wary of heirloom or second-hand beds that are older than recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have been painted with lead-based paint. Old stickers on the side of the cot could be removed and create the risk of choking for infants. If you are thinking of buying an old cot, be sure that the mattress is brand new and meets British safety standard BS EN716.
If solid wood cotbed looking for a multifunctional crib that can carry you through your baby's toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth a look. It is stylish, durable and solid with three different height levels that will expand with your child before you convert it into the bed. Our MFM testers reported that the instructions were "clear and simple to follow". It does not come with a mattress but it can be fitted with an ordinary 120cm x60cm one. A teething rail kit and storage drawers can be purchased to complement the crib.
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 will last a long time and will withstand the bumps and scrapes that come with everyday family life. Wooden cots made of solid wood are typically made by hand, which means you'll know you're getting something of high quality that is carefully crafted.
Solid-wood cots are also noted for their ability to be transformed into other nursery furniture. This is especially true for the Boori Evolution range of furniture that can be turned into a toddler bed or even a sofa bed, so that it will last for your child until they're six or seven years old. This is a great value for money and means that you don't need to purchase a new crib when your child is starting to outgrow it.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the best solid-wood cribs we've tried, and it has a host of extra features to make it an excellent choice for any baby. It comes with a drawer, teething rails, and two mattress base height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It is also very easy to put together and our test participants found it to be the easiest of all the crib bed models we tested.
Another solid-wood cot that's perfect for any nursery is the Scandi Classic Cot Bed from Ickle Bubba. It is a beautiful piece with rounded corners that will look stunning in any room. It's suitable for infants to three years old. It can be used for an infant bed or a cot and can be customised by adding different accessories to suit your preferences.
Of course, when it comes to cot beds, safety is of paramount importance and all cots have to comply with strict UK safety standards. You can get details on the safety standards that a particular cot must follow by reviewing the main specifications on the manufacturer's website. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure which type of cot would be the best fit for your child.