Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A solid wood cot bed is a wise investment for your child - a good quality piece will last until they start school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style bed features three mattress positions and can be converted into a bed for toddlers with the right extension kit.

The panel took us about an hour to construct, and the sides are low to make washing a breeze. Our testers loved this clean traditional design.

Material

A real wood cot-bed is a timeless nursery furniture piece that can 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 can be difficult due to the numerous options and styles available.

The best cot bed made of wood is constructed from strong and durable materials such as mahogany or pine. They should be sanded down and stained or painted with child-safe paint to protect against water damage. The mattress should be fitted well, and labeled with the name of the company and the size. The safety of your child is paramount, so make sure that the cot you choose meets the latest British and European safety standards. It must also be endorsed by a reputable international laboratory.

There are cot beds that satisfy every budget and taste and budget, whether you want traditional sleighs or a more modern. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functional and a timeless design. It's designed to last up until your child is old enough to move into the bed. A kit is available that lets it be converted into a junior-sized bed.

Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which has numerous extra features to keep your baby entertained and comfortable. It features a drawer to store nappies, blankets and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted to three different positions. It is also easy to set up, and has a long-lasting lifespan. With the purchase of an expansion kit, you can turn it into a bed for toddlers.

If you are on a budget then the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great choice. It is available in fashionable off-white or green and costs only PS372. It uses the standard crib and comes with an adjustable height base that lets you lower the bed as your child grows. It's suitable from birth until your child is four. It can be used with the bars removed for an adjustable toddler bed that resembles a bench.

Design

A real wood cot bed is an investment that will last for years and provide a safe environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are designed to last and versatile and adaptable to the changing needs of your child with a range of mattress base heights as well as conversion options. They also make a fashionable option for any nursery because they are a perfect match with other furniture.

Before purchasing a wooden sleigh cot bed cot bed, it is important to consider your style and decor. Some are more modern, and others are more traditional design. Some are made from solid wood and others are constructed using composite materials like MDF. Solid-wood beds are more expensive, however they can be sturdier and more durable than MDF models.

The best wooden cot beds cots can last for a long time and some can even be transformed into a bed for toddlers. One of the best examples is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to the size of a junior bed, then an elegant sofa. It is also available with additional features, such as an outdoor cover that gives 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 constructed from FSC Pine and finished in a neutral white and wood cot bed or beige. It's a great option for a neutral-themed nursery, and it's easy to put together it took us less than an hour to get functioning. This cot does not come with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately.

If you're looking for a low-cost cot that won't skimp on quality, you'll be able to do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's easy to set up and has three mattress height positions so that it can be used from birth right until your child turns four. It also includes teething rails and is built to withstand the tests of time thanks to its 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 an original piece that can be converted into a low-level bed for toddlers or a playhouse simply by taking out the cot bars. It was fairly easy to build and our testers really liked the sturdy feel of it.

Safety

As parents as parents, you want your child to be safe at all times, and especially during sleep. A quality cot will ensure that your child is safe and well-rested. It must be free of dangers like suffocation or entrapment. When you are searching for the ideal cot, look for the following safety features:

Ensure the cot is solid and sturdy, with no gaps between the bars. Check that the bars are less than 95 mm apart - larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Make sure the cot has enough depth to stop your child from escaping.

It should also be placed away from power points and windows that could put your baby at the danger of overheating. It is also recommended to keep the cot clear of toys, stuffed animals and other soft items, which could be a danger to your infant. It is also important to keep your cot away form blinds and curtains with cords. These could be a strangulation hazard for your child.

The majority of new cots and beds have been tested and confirmed to be safe by industry experts. However, some issues emerge when a product goes on the market, and it's important to be wary of second-hand or heirloom cribs that are older than what is recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may be painted with harmful lead paint, and the old stickers on the side can peel and become dangerous for babies to eat. If you're considering 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 model from Stokke is worth having a look. It's elegant, durable and sturdy with three different height levels that increase with your child before it can be converted into the 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 fitted to the standard 120cm by 60cm mattress. A teething rail kit, and 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. Furniture made of solid wood lasts for a long period of time and can stand up to the scrapes and bumps that are part 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 high-quality product that was 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 for the Boori Evolution furniture range, which can be transformed into a toddler's bed or even a sofa bed so that your child will have it until they are seven or six years old. This provides excellent value for money and also means that you don't have to buy a brand new cot when your little one begins to outgrow it.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the best solid-wood cot beds we've tested, and it comes with plenty of additional features that work to make it a great choice for any baby. It comes with teething rails, a drawer and two mattress height settings. It's also very easy to put together, and our test subjects found it to be the easiest of all of the cot beds we test.

Another solid-wood cot that's perfect for any nursery is the Scandi Classic Cot Bed from Ickle Bubba. It's a beautiful piece of furniture with rounded edges that will look lovely in any room and is suitable for babies from 3 years old to. It can be used as a cot toddler bed or a junior bed and it can be customized with a variety of accessories to suit your personal style.

Safety is of course paramount when it comes to cots and all cots are required to comply with strict UK safety regulations. On the manufacturer's site you can read about the safety standards cots must comply with. Ask your healthcare professional for advice if you're not sure which type of cot would be the best fit for your child.