Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A solid wood cot-bed is an investment in your child's future. A good piece of furniture will last until the time they enter school (insert the crying emoji). This Scandi-style bed has three mattress positions, and can be made into a toddler's bed with the right extension kit.

The panel took around an hour to put together, and the sides are low to make washing easy. Our testers were impressed by this simple, classic design.

Material

A real wood cot-bed is an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that can be cherished for a long time. It is also able to stand up to the bumps and bruises that happen in family life. However, picking the right one is tricky with so many different designs and features available.

The most durable wood cot bed is constructed from strong and durable materials such as pine or mahogany. They should be sanded down and stained or painted with child-safe paints to protect against water damage. They must also have a mattress that is comfortable and is marked with the manufacturer's name and size. The safety of your child is paramount. Make sure that the crib you choose is in line with the most recent British safety standards as well as European safety standards. It should also be approved by a reputable international laboratory.

Whether you're seeking traditional sleigh designs or something more modern There's a cot bed to suit your budget and style. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functional and a timeless design. It's designed to last until your toddler is ready to move into the bed. A kit is available that allows it to be converted into a junior bed.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option. It has a number of additional features to keep your baby snug and content. It features a drawer to store nappies, blankets and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted to three different positions. It is also simple to put together, and has a long life. When you buy an expansion kit, you can turn it into a toddler's bed.

If you're on a tight budget, there is also the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed it is available in off-white or fashionable green for just PS372. It can be used with the standard mattress for a cot and comes with a height-adjustable base that allows you to lower it as your baby grows. It is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old and can be used with the bars removed for the appearance of a bench-style toddler's bed.

Design

A real wood cot bed is an investment that will last for years and provide a secure environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are designed to last and versatile and adaptable to your child's changing needs by offering a variety of mattress heights and conversion options. They're also a chic choice for any nursery, blending with the furniture.

There are a variety of folding wooden cot bed cot beds, and it is essential to think about your style and décor before you buy one. Some are more traditional, whereas others are modern in style. Some are made from 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 most durable wooden folding cot bed cots will last for years, and some of them can be transformed into a toddler bed. Stokke Home Bed is a great example. It transforms from a crib into an adult bed, and then an elegant couch. It also comes with extras such as an outdoor cover that gives your child opportunities to role-play, and a changing tray that can be used as the convenience of a nappy area.

The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is a different option. It is made of FSC Pine and is finished in a neutral beige or white. It's a good choice for a neutral-themed nursery and it is easy to set up it took us less than an hour to get up and running. This cot does not come with mattresses it, so you'll have to buy one separately.

If you're looking for a low-cost cot that isn't compromising on quality, you'll be able to do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's simple to put together and has three mattress heights so that it can be used from birth up until your child is four years old. It's also built to stand the test of time and has an extremely sturdy structure.

Take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a top-quality purchase that will last from baby to toddler. It's a unique piece that can be transformed into a low-level bed suitable for toddlers or a playhouse by removing the bars for the cot. It was fairly easy to build and our testers loved the sturdy feel of it.

Safety

As parents as parents, you want your child to be secure at all times, and especially when asleep. A cot that is safe and secure will ensure that your baby is comfortable and well-rested. It must also be free of dangers like entrapment and suffocation. When you are searching for the ideal cot, ensure that you are looking for the following safety features:

Check that the bars aren't more than 95 millimetres apart. Make sure that the bars do not exceed 95 millimetres apart. Larger gaps can trap your baby's arms or head. Also, ensure there's enough room in the cot to keep your baby from escaping.

It should be placed away from heaters and power points, since they can cause overheating. Also, keep the cot clear of toys such as stuffed animals, toys and other soft items, which can be a danger to your infant. You should also keep your cot free of blinds and curtains with cords. These can pose a strangulation risk for your child.

Most new cots and cot beds have been tested and verified to be safe by experts in the field. There are some issues that can arise after a product has been placed on the market. It is essential to be aware of antique or second-hand cots that may be older than recommended. Cots made before 1973 could be painted with harmful lead paint, and the old stickers on the sides can peel and become dangerous for babies to eat. 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 multi-purpose cot that will take you through your baby's toddler years and beyond, this model from Stokke is worth having a look. It's stylish, solid and durable, with three levels of height that allow it to allow your child to grow before you convert it to a bed. It's simple to construct and is backed by our MFM testers praising the instructions for being "clear and easy to follow". It does not come with a mattress, but can be adapted to the standard 120cm by 60cm mattress. A teething rail kit and an storage drawer, can be purchased to match the crib.

Eco-friendly

Solid dark wood sleigh cot bed is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it's a strong and durable material. This means that you'll get furniture that will last for a long time and endure the scuffs and scrapes of daily family life. Solid wood cot beds also are usually made by hand therefore you can be assured that you're getting a high-quality product that has been crafted with care.

Another thing that makes solid-wood cots stand out is that they are often able to be transformed into other pieces of nursery furniture. This is especially true for 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 way to save money and you won't need to purchase a new crib for your child once they're outgrowing their cot.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the best solid-wood cribs we've tried, and it has a host of additional features that work to make it a great choice for any baby. It has a drawer, teething rails, and two different mattress height settings. It is also very simple to put together and our test subjects considered it to be the most simple of all the crib bed models we test.

Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot that's perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece with rounded corners and will look stunning in any room. It's suitable from newborns to three-year-olds. It can be used as a cot or toddler bed and can be customised with a variety of accessories to match your personal preferences.

Of course when it comes to cot beds, safety is the top priority and all cots have to comply with strict UK safety standards. On the site of the manufacturer, you can find out the safety standards a cot must meet. Consult your physician if you are unsure what kind of cot is the best fit for your child.