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 your child starts school (insert crying emoticon here). The Scandi-style bed comes with three mattress positions, and can be made into a toddler's bed with the right extension kit.
The panel took us about an hour to construct, and the sides are low to allow for easy washing. Our testers were impressed by the simple, classic design.
Material
A real wood crib is a timeless piece of nursery furniture that will be treasured for years to come. It will also be able to withstand the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. However, picking the right one is tricky with so many different designs and features available.
wooden cotbed is made of strong solid, durable materials like mahogany or pine. They should be sanded down and stained or painted with child-safe paints to protect against water damage. The mattress should be fitted snugly, and labelled with the name of the manufacturer and size. Your child's safety is of paramount importance, so make sure that the cot you select is compliant with the latest British and European safety standards. It must be approved by an internationally renowned laboratory.
There are cot beds to meet the needs of all budgets and tastes, whether you prefer an old-fashioned sleigh or something more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a stunning option that provides premium quality and functionality, with a timeless design to match. It's designed to last until your child is ready for a bed and can be made into an adult bed with the help of an optional set.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option. It has a number of additional features to keep your baby comfortable and content. It comes with a drawer underneath that can be used to store blankets and nappies as well as teething rails and an adjustable base height that can be adjusted to three positions. It's also easy to put together and is extremely durable It can also be converted into a toddler bed by the purchase of an extension kit.
If you're on a tight budget, you can also consider the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed that is available in off-white or trendy green and costs just PS372. It is an ordinary cot bed and comes with a height adjustable base that lets you lower the bed as your child grows. It's suitable from birth until 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 cot made of real wood 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 your child's changing needs by offering a variety of mattress heights and conversion options. They're also a chic option for any nursery as they can be incorporated into furniture.
Before purchasing a wooden cot bed it's important to think about the style and decor you want to create. Some are more modern, and others are more traditional in design. Some are made of solid wood, while others are made from composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood cots cost more but are also more durable and robust than MDF models.
The best wooden cots will last for a long time, and some of them can be transformed into a toddler bed. Stokke Home Bed is a great example. It converts from a crib into an adult bed, and then into a chic couch. The Stokke Home Bed comes with additional options like an outdoor tent that allows your child to role-play and a changing table that can be used as a convenient diaper area.
The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is another excellent alternative. It is constructed from FSC Pine and finished in white or beige tones. It's a great choice for a neutral-themed nursery, and is simple to assemble it took us less than an hour to get it up and running. The cot doesn't have mattresses, so you'll need to purchase a mattress separately.
If you're looking to buy a budget-friendly cot that doesn't compromise on quality, you'll be able to choose the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It is easy to assemble, and has three mattress height settings so 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 solid construction.
Take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a high-end product that will last from infant to toddler. It's a unique piece that can be made into a toddler bed with a low-level or even a playhouse with the removal of the cot bars. It was surprisingly simple to construct and our testers loved the sturdy feel of it.
Safety
As parents, you'll want to ensure that your child is secure at all times. This is especially true when they are asleep. A quality cot will ensure that your child is safe and well-fed. It must be free of dangers like entrapment and suffocation. During your search for the ideal cot look for the following safety features:
Ensure the cot is solid and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Make sure the bars are less than 95 mm apart - larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Also, ensure there's enough space in the cot to prevent your baby from climbing out.
It should also be kept away from heaters, power points and windows, which can pose a risk of overheating. It is also recommended to make sure that the cot is free of toys, stuffed animals and other soft objects, which could pose a danger to your child. Also, keep your cot away form blinds and curtains that have cords. These could pose a strangulation risk for your child.
Experts in the field test and certify that most new cots as well as cribs and cot beds are safe. There are some issues that can arise after a product has been put on the market. It is essential to be wary of antique or second-hand cots that could be older than what is recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 could be painted with toxic leaded paint, and older stickers on the side may peel off and create a choking hazard for babies. If you're thinking about buying a second-hand cot, make sure that the mattress is brand new and is in compliance with British safety standards BS EN716.
If you're in search of a multi-functional cot that will take you through your toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth having a look. It's sleek, sturdy and sturdy, and comes with three height levels to allow your child to grow before converting it into a bed. Our MFM testers said that the instructions were "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't come with a mattress, but can be made to fit an existing 120cm x 60cm mattress. 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 get furniture that will last a long time and will endure the scrapes and bumps that are common to family life. Solid wood cot beds also tend to be constructed by hand and so you can be sure that you're getting a premium product that has been 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 especially true of the Boori Evolution range of furniture that can be converted into a toddler bed and even a sofa bed, so that it will last your child right through six or seven years old. This is a great value for money, and it means that you won't have to buy a brand new crib when your child begins to outgrow it.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the best solid-wood cribs we've tried, and it comes with a variety of extra features that help to make it a great option for any baby. It has teething rails, a drawer, and two different mattress height settings. It's also extremely easy to put together and our test subjects found it to be the simplest of all of the cot beds that we test.
Another solid-wood cot that's ideal for any nursery is the Scandi Classic Cot Bed from Ickle Bubba. It is a beautiful piece with rounded corners and will make a stunning addition to any room. It's suitable from newborns to three years old. wooden cotbed can be used as a cot, toddler bed, or a junior bed. It can be customised with various accessories to match your preferences.
Of course when it comes to cot beds, safety is paramount and all cots must comply with strict UK safety standards. On the site of the manufacturer you can read about the safety standards that cots must meet. Ask your healthcare professional to help you decide what kind of cot is most suitable for your child.