Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A real wood cot-bed is an investment in your child's future. A quality piece of furniture will last them until they enter the school (insert the crying emoticon). This Scandi-style number comes with three mattress positions. It can be transformed into a toddler bed with the appropriate extension kit.

Our panel took about an hour to assemble, and the sides are low to make washing easy. Our test subjects loved the clean classic design.

Material

A real wood cot-bed is an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that can be treasured for years. It can also endure the inevitable bumps and bruises that come with family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult with so many styles and features available.

The best dark wood sleigh cot bed cot beds are made from strong and durable materials like pine or mahogany. They should be sanded and stained or painted with child-safe paints to protect against water damage. They should also have a fitted mattress that is snug and is labelled with the brand's name and size. Your child's safety is the most important thing. Make sure the crib you choose is in line with the most current British safety standards 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. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functional and an elegant design. It's designed to last up until your child is old enough to transition into an actual bed. There is a kit available that permits it to be converted into a junior bed.

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

If you are on a budget and want to save money, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great option. It is available in fashionable green or off-white and costs only PS372. It is the standard cot bed and comes with a height-adjustable base that lets you lower the bed as your child grows. It can also be used from birth until age four and the bars can be removed for an infant bed.

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 durable and adaptable and can be modified to meet your child's evolving requirements by adjusting the mattress bases. They're also a stylish option for any nursery, blending into the rest of your furniture.

There are a myriad of kinds of wooden cot beds and it is important to consider your style and design before you buy one. Some are more traditional, and others are modern in design. Some are constructed from solid wood while others are made from composite materials like MDF. Solid-wood cots are more expensive however they are more durable and robust than MDF models.

The most durable wooden cots will last for a long time, and some of them can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. A good example is the Stokke Home Bed, which converts from a cot into an adult bed, and later a stylish sofa. It also comes with extras such as an outdoor cover that gives your child opportunities to role-play and a changing tray to provide a convenient nappy station.

The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is another great option. It is made of FSC Pine and finished in a neutral beige or white. It's a great option for a neutral nursery, and it's easy to put together it took us less than an hour to get it functioning. This cot does not come with a mattress included it, so you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.

If you're looking to buy a budget-friendly cot bed wood that doesn't compromise on quality, you can choose the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It is easy to assemble and comes with three mattress heights so that it can be used for your child from birth until four years old. It also has teething rails that are designed to stand the test of time thanks to its sturdy construction.

For a top-quality purchase that will last from newborn 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 converted to a bed that is low-level for toddlers or even a playhouse by cutting off the bars that hold the cot bedding woodland. It was fairly easy to put together and our testers loved the sturdy feel.

Safety

As parents, you'll want to ensure that your child is secure at all times. This is especially true when they're sleeping. A quality cot will ensure that your child is secure and well-fed. It must be free from dangers such as suffocation and entrapment. When you are looking for the ideal cot, consider the following safety features.

Ensure the cot is solid and sturdy, with no gaps between the bars. Make sure that the bars do not exceed 95 mm apart. Wider gaps could hinder your baby's arms and head. Make sure the cot is enough depth to keep your child from escaping.

It should be placed away from heaters and power points, since they can cause overheating. Make sure the cot is free of soft toys, stuffed animals and other items that can cause your baby to become suffocated. Also, ensure that your cot is free of curtains and blinds that have cords. These could pose a strangulation risk for your child.

Most new cots and cot bed dark wood beds have been tested and verified to be safe by experts in the field. There are some issues that can arise after a product is put on the market. It is crucial to be wary of antique or second-hand cots that may be older than recommended. Cots made before 1973 could be painted with toxic lead paint, while old stickers on the side can peel and become a choking hazard for babies. If you're thinking of buying a second-hand cot, make sure the mattress is new and meets British safety standards BS EN716.

This multi-functional cot by Stokke will help you navigate the toddler years of your baby and beyond. It's elegant, durable and sturdy and comes with three different height levels that will increase with your child before you convert it into a bed. Our MFM testers said that the instructions were "clear and simple to follow". It doesn't come with the mattress, but it can be fitted to a standard 120cm by 60cm mattress. You can also purchase a teething rail kit and storage drawer to go with it.

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 can withstand the bumps and scrapes that come with everyday family life. Solid wood cot beds also are usually made by hand and therefore you can be assured that you're getting a premium product that was crafted with the utmost care.

Another feature that makes solid-wood cots stand out is the fact that they can often be converted into other pieces of nursery furniture. This is especially true for the Boori Evolution range of furniture, which can be transformed into a toddler bed or even a sofa bed so that it can last your child right through six or seven years old. This provides excellent value for money and also means that you won't have to buy a new cot when your little one begins to outgrow it.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood cot bed is among our top choices. It comes with a variety of features that make it an excellent option for any baby. It comes with a useful drawer, teething rails and two different mattress height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It is also very easy to put together and our testers found it to be the easiest of all the crib bed models we test.

Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece with rounded corners and will look great in any room. It is suitable for newborns to three years old. It can be used as an infant bed or a cot, and can be customized by adding different accessories to suit your taste.

Of course, when it comes to cot beds, safety is the top priority and all cots must comply with strict UK safety standards. You can get details on the safety standards that a specific cot has to adhere to by looking at the main specifications on the website of the manufacturer. Consult your physician for advice if you're not sure which type of cot is the best fit for your child.