Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wood cot bed is an investment for your child A good quality piece will last until your child starts school (insert crying emoticon here). This Scandi-style model has three mattress positions and can be transformed into a bed for toddlers with the right extension kit.
wooden cot beds took us about an hour to construct, and the sides are low enough to make washing easy. Our test subjects loved the clean, classic design.
Material
A real wood cot-bed can be an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that can be cherished for years. It will also be able to withstand the bumps and bruises that are inevitable in daily life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult because of the numerous styles and features available.
The most durable wood cot beds are made from strong, durable materials such as pine or mahogany. They should be sanded down and stained or painted with child-safe paint to protect against water damage. They must also have a mattress that fits snugly and is marked with the brand's name and size. Your child's safety is the most important thing. Make sure the crib you choose meets the most current British safety standards as well as European safety standards. It should be approved by an internationally renowned laboratory.
Whether you're seeking an old-fashioned sleigh style or something more contemporary, there is a cot bed that will fit your budget and style. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a beautiful choice that offers premium quality and functionality, with a timeless design to match. It is built to last until your toddler is ready to go to bed, and can be transformed into a junior bed with the help of an optional set.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another option. It comes with a variety of extra features to keep your baby snug and content. It has a drawer that can be used for nappies, blankets and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted to three different positions. It's also easy to assemble and lasts for a long time and can be transformed into a toddler bed with the purchase of an extension kit.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, you can also consider the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed that is available in off-white or stylish green and is priced at PS372. It is a standard cot mattress and has a height-adjustable base, allowing you to lower it as your baby grows. It can also be used from birth until age four, and the bars can be removed to make the toddler 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 sleep. They are designed to be sturdy and adaptable that allows them to adjust to your child's needs with a variety of mattress base heights as well as conversion options. They're also a chic choice for any nursery, blending in with the furniture.
Before purchasing a wooden cot bed it's important to consider the style and decor you want to create. Some are more modern, whereas others are more traditional in style. Some are constructed from solid wood, while others are manufactured from composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood cot beds are more expensive, however they can be sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The most durable wooden cots are constructed to last. Some are even converted into a toddler's bed. One of the best examples is the Stokke Home Bed, which converts from a cot the size of a junior bed, then it transforms into a chic sofa. The Stokke Home Bed is available with additional accessories, such as a tent to allow your child to role-play and a changing table that can be used as a convenient diaper area.
Another option is the Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot, which is built from FSC pine and decorated in a neutral white or soft beige. It's a great option for a nursery that has an uncluttered theme. It's also simple to assemble. Our panel took less than an hour to put together. The cot doesn't have an included mattress, so you'll need to buy one separately.
The Elementary cot from John Lewis Anyday is a ideal choice for those seeking a cot for less money without sacrificing quality. It's simple to put together and has three mattress height positions, so that it can be used from birth right up until your child is four. It also comes with teething rails and is designed to withstand the tests of time thanks to its solid construction.
For a top-quality purchase that will last from newborn to toddler, look into the Little Interiors 1950s inspired cot from Danish brand Done by Deer. It's a unique piece that can be converted into a low-level bed suitable for toddlers or even a playhouse by cutting off the bars that hold the cot. It was relatively easy to build and our testers really liked the solid feel of it.
Safety
As parents, you will want to ensure that your child is always safe. This is especially true when they're sleeping. A cot that is safe and secure will ensure that your child is secure and well-fed. It must also be free of dangers like entrapment and suffocation. During your search for the ideal cot look for the following safety features:
Check that the bars are not more than 95 millimetres apart. Verify that the bars are not more than 95 mm apart - larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Also, make sure there's enough space within the cot to stop your baby from escaping.
It should also be placed away from heaters, power points and windows that could put your baby at the risk of overheating. Also, keep the cot clear of toys such as stuffed animals, toys and other soft items, which can be an entrapment risk for your child. You should also keep your cot free of curtains and blinds that have cords. These can pose a strangulation risk for your child.
Experts in the industry verify and test that all new cots or cribs, cot beds or cribs are safe. However, some issues emerge after a product is placed on the market, therefore it's crucial to be aware of second-hand or heirloom cribs that are older than recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have been painted with toxic lead paint. Old stickers on the sides of the cot may be removed and create a choking risk for babies. If you're thinking about buying a second-hand cot, 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 can take your baby through the toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth having a look. It's stylish, solid and durable, with three height levels to allow your child to grow before you convert it to a bed. Our MFM test subjects said that the instructions were "clear and simple to follow". It doesn't come with a mattress, but can be made to fit a standard 120cm by 60cm mattress. A teething rail kit, and a storage drawer 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. Furniture made of solid wood lasts for a long time and will endure the scrapes and bumps that come with everyday family life. Wooden cots made of solid wood are typically made by hand, which means you know that you're getting an item of high quality that is carefully crafted.
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 range of furniture, which can be transformed into a toddler bed and even a sofa bed, so that it can last your child right through six or seven years old. This gives you great value for money, and it means that you don't need to purchase a 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 plenty of additional features that work to make it a great choice for any baby. It has a handy drawer, teething rails, and two different 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 cot bed models we tested.
Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot perfect for any nursery. It's a gorgeous piece of furniture with rounded edges that look stunning in any space, and it's suitable for newborns up to three years old. It can be used as a cot, a toddler bed, or a junior bed and it can be customised with various accessories to fit your preferences.
Of course when it comes down to cot beds, safety is paramount and all cots must be in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. You can learn more about the safety regulations that a specific cot has to be able to comply with by reading the key specs on the manufacturer's website. Consult your physician if you are unsure what kind of cot is the best fit for your child.