Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wood crib is an investment for your little one A high-quality piece will last until they start school (insert crying emoticon here). The Scandi-style bed comes with three mattress positions, and can be made into a bed for toddlers using the appropriate extension kit.
Our panel took about an hour to put together, and the sides are low to allow for easy washing. Our testers were impressed by this simple, classic design.
Material
A solid wood crib is a timeless piece furniture for the nursery that will be loved for many years to come. It's also built to stand up to the bumps and bruises that are inevitable in the family life. However, choosing the right one can be tricky with so many different designs and features available.
The best cot beds made of wood are made of strong and durable materials like mahogany or pine. They should be sanded and stained or painted with child-safe paint to protect against water damage. The mattress should be placed snugly, and labelled with the name of the manufacturer and the size. Your child's safety is the most important thing. Make sure that the cot you select meets the latest British safety standards and European safety standards. It should be endorsed by an internationally recognized laboratory.
There are cot beds that meet the needs of all budgets and tastes, whether you prefer a classic sleigh or a more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a beautiful choice that offers premium quality and functionality with a timeless style to match. It is designed to last until your child is ready for bed and can be made into a junior bed with the help of an optional kit.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is a different alternative. It comes with a variety of extra features to keep your baby comfortable and content. It comes with a drawer underneath to store blankets and nappies, teething rails, and an adjustable base height with three positions. wood cot bed Cots For Tots UK 's also easy to assemble and has great longevity and can be transformed into a bed for toddlers with the purchase of an extension kit.
If you're on a strict budget, there is also the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed that is available in off-white or stylish green for just PS372. It uses a standard crib and comes with a height-adjustable base that allows you to 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 the toddler bed.
Design
A solid wood cot bed is an investment that will last for a long time and provide a secure environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are designed to be sturdy and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs by offering a variety of mattress heights and conversion options. They are also a stylish option for any nursery because they are a perfect match with other furniture.
Before purchasing a wooden cot bed it is important to consider the style and decor you want to create. Some are more modern, while others have a more traditional design. Some are made of solid wood while others are made from composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood beds are more expensive, however they are sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The best wooden cots can last for a long time and some can even be transformed into a toddler bed. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, which converts from a cot an adult bed, and later an elegant sofa. It is also available with additional features, such as 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 another great option. It is made from FSC Pine and finished in a neutral beige or white. It is a good option for a nursery that has an uncluttered theme. It's also simple to put together. The panel we tested took just an hour to put together. This cot doesn't come with a mattress included it, so you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.
If you're looking for a low-cost cot that isn't compromising on quality, you could choose the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's easy to put together and comes with three mattress height settings so it can be used by your child from birth to four years old. It's designed to stand the test of time and has a sturdy construction.
For a top-quality purchase that will last from infant to toddler, take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s inspired cot from Danish brand Done by Deer. It's a unique piece that can be made into a low-level toddler bed or even a playhouse by the removal of the cot bars. It was easy to set up and our test subjects liked its sturdy feel.
Safety
As parents, you'll want to ensure that your baby is safe at all times. This is especially true when they are asleep. A good cot will ensure your baby is well-rested and comfy. It must be free from dangers like suffocation or entrapment. During your search for the ideal cot ensure that you are looking for the following safety features:
Make sure that the cot is solid and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Check that the bars are less than 95 millimetres apart. bigger gaps could trap your baby's head or arms. Also, make sure there's enough space in the cot to keep your baby from climbing out.
It should also be placed away from heaters, power points and windows which could pose the danger of overheating. Make sure the cot is free of soft toys, stuffed animals and other objects that could suffocate your baby. You should also keep the cot free of blinds and curtains with cords that could pose strangulation hazards for your child.
The majority of cots and beds are tested and certified to be safe by experts in the field. However, some issues emerge when a product goes on the market, and it's important to be wary of second-hand or heirloom cots that may be older than the recommended. Cots made before 1973 could be painted with toxic lead paint, and old stickers on the sides can peel and become a choking hazard for babies. 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 will take you through your baby's toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth a look. It's elegant, durable and sturdy and comes with three different height levels that grow with your child, before you convert it into an actual bed. It's simple to construct, with our MFM test participants praising the instructions for being "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't include an actual mattress, but it can be made to fit an existing 120cm x 60cm mattress. A teething rail kit as well as a storage drawer 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 receive a piece of furniture that will last for years and stand up to the bumps and scrapes of daily family life. Solid wood cots are also usually constructed by hand, so you can be sure that you're getting an item that is of the highest quality and has been carefully designed.
Solid-wood cots are also notable for their capacity to be transformed into other furniture for the nursery. This is especially true of the Boori Evolution furniture range, which can be converted into a bed for toddlers or even a sofa-bed, so that your child will be able to use it until they are six or seven years old. This is an excellent way to save money and you won't have to buy a brand new cot for your child if they outgrow their cot.
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 a fantastic choice for any baby. It comes with a drawer, teething rails and two different mattress height settings that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It is also very easy to put together and our test participants found it to be the easiest of all the crib beds we test.
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 make a stunning addition to any room. It is suitable for newborns to three years old. It can be used as a cot toddler bed or junior bed. It can be customised with various accessories to match your preferences.
Safety is of course a top priority when it comes cot beds and all cots have to comply with strict UK safety regulations. On the manufacturer's site you can learn about the safety standards that cots must comply with. If you're uncertain about which kind of cot bed is the most secure for your child, talk to your healthcare professional for advice.