Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/1369/mokee-mini-kinderbett-weissbuche-1369.jpg)A quality cot-bed made of wood is a good investment for your child's future. A good piece of furniture should last them until they enter the school (insert the crying emoji). The Scandi-style bed comes with three mattress positions and can be transformed into a bed for toddlers using the right extension kit.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/780/costway-baby-bedside-crib-easy-folding-cot-bed-with-mattress-all-side-mesh-storage-shelf-and-travel-bag-height-adjustable-newborn-sleeper-for-birth-to-9kg-dark-grey-780.jpg)The panel took us an hour to put together, and the sides are low enough to make washing simple. Our testers loved this clean traditional design.
Material
A real wood cot-bed is a timeless nursery furniture piece that will be treasured for years. It will also be able stand up to the inevitable bumps and bruises that come with family life. However, choosing the right one is difficult due to the numerous designs and features available.
The best beech wood cot bed cot beds are made from strong, durable materials such as pine or mahogany. To prevent water damage, they should be painted, sanded, or stained using paint safe for children. The mattress should be fitted well, and labeled with the name of the company and the size. Your child's safety is paramount. Make sure the cot you select meets the latest British safety standards as well as European safety standards. It should be approved by an internationally renowned laboratory.
If you're seeking an old-fashioned sleigh style or something more modern There's a cot bed to suit your preferences and budget. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functional and an elegant design. It is designed to last up until your child is old enough to move into a bed. A kit is available that permits it to be converted into a junior bed.
Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which comes with many extra features to keep your baby entertained and comfortable. It comes with a 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 is also simple to set up, and has a long-lasting lifespan. If you purchase an expansion kit, you can turn it into a bed for toddlers.
If you're on a tight budget, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great choice. It comes in stylish green or off-white wooden cot bed and costs just PS372. It uses a standard cot bed and comes with a height-adjustable base that allows you to lower the bed as your child grows. It is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old 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 secure environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are designed to be durable and adaptable, allowing them to adapt to the changing needs of your child with a variety of mattress base heights as well as conversion options. They are also a stylish option for any nursery, blending into the furniture.
There are a myriad of kinds of wooden cot and bed cot beds, and it is crucial to consider your style and décor before purchasing one. Some are more traditional, and others are more modern in design. Some are constructed from solid wood while others are made of composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood cot beds are more expensive, however they can be sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The best wooden cots are made to last, and some are even converted into a bed for toddlers. One of the best examples is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to an adult bed, and later an elegant sofa. It is also available with other accessories, like the tent cover that can give your child opportunities to role-play and a changing tray that can be used as a convenient nappy station.
The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is a different alternative. It is made of FSC Pine and is finished in a neutral beige or white. It's a great choice for a nursery that has an uncluttered theme. It is also easy to assemble. Our panel took less than an hour to put together. The cot doesn't have mattresses and you'll have to purchase one separately.
The Elementary cot from John Lewis Anyday is a great option for those seeking a cot for less money without sacrificing quality. It's easy to assemble and has three mattress height positions so that it can be used from birth until your child is four. It also comes with teething rails and is built to withstand the test of time thanks to its robust construction.
Take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a premium purchase that lasts from baby to toddler. It's an exclusive piece that can be transformed into a low-level toddler bed or even a playhouse through the removal of the cot bars. It was simple to put together and our testers loved its solid feel.
Safety
As parents you want your child to be safe at all times, and especially during sleep. A cot that is well-constructed will ensure your baby is well-rested and comfortable. It must be free from dangers such as suffocation and entrapment. When you are looking for the ideal cot, think about the following safety features.
Make sure that the cot is solid and sturdy and there are no gaps between the bars. Verify that the bars don't exceed 95 millimetres. Wider gaps could restrict your baby's arms or head. Also, ensure there's enough space within the cot to stop your baby from climbing out.
It should be kept away from power and heaters points, as they could cause overheating. Also, make sure that the cot is free of toys, stuffed animals and other soft items, which could be a danger to your child. Also, keep your cot free of blinds and curtains that have cords. These could cause strangulation for your child.
Experts in the industry 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 crucial to be aware of second-hand or heirloom beds that are older than the recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may be painted with toxic leaded paint, and the old stickers on the side can peel and become dangerous for babies to eat. If you are considering a used cot, ensure that the mattress is new and is in compliance with British safety standard 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 having a look. It is elegant, durable and sturdy, with three different height levels that increase with your child before it can be converted into an actual 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 include a mattress, but can be made to fit the standard 120cm by 60cm mattress. A teething rail kit, and storage drawers can be purchased to match the crib.
Eco-friendly
Solid natural wood 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 of everyday family life. Solid wood cot beds also tend to be constructed by hand, therefore you can be assured that you're getting a premium product that has been crafted with care.
Solid-wood cots are also notable for their capacity to be transformed into other nursery furniture. This is particularly true of the Boori Evolution range of furniture, which can be transformed into a toddler bed or even a sofa bed, so that it will last your child until they're six or seven years old. This is a great way to save money, and you won't have to buy a new cot for your child if they outgrow their cot.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood cot bed is one of our top choices. It comes with a variety of features that make it a good option for any baby. It has teething rails, a drawer, and two different mattress height settings. It's also very simple to put together and our test subjects found it to be the simplest of all the cot beds we tested.
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 will look stunning in any room. It is suitable for newborns to three years old. It can be used for 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 cots and all cots have to comply with strict UK safety regulations. You can find details of the safety standards that a particular cot must follow by reviewing the key specs on the website of the manufacturer. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what kind of cot is best for your child.