Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A real wood crib is an investment for your child - a good quality piece of furniture should last until the time they begin school (insert crying emoticon here). This Scandi-style bed features three mattress positions, and can be transformed into a toddler's bed with an extension kit.

The panel took us an hour to put together and the sides are low enough to make washing simple. Our testers loved the clean, classic design.

Material

A solid wood cot bed is a timeless piece of furniture for the nursery that can be kept for a long time. It is also able to stand up to the bumps and bruises that occur in the family life. It can be difficult due to the variety of options and styles available.

The most durable wood cot bed is made of strong and durable materials such as mahogany or pine. To guard them from water damage, they must be sanded and painted or stained with paint that is safe for children. The mattress should be fitted snugly, and labelled with the name of the manufacturer and size. The safety of your child is of the utmost importance, so be sure that the cot you choose is in line with the most recent British and European safety standards. It should also be approved by a respected international laboratory.

There are cot beds that satisfy every budget and taste regardless of whether you prefer a classic sleigh or a more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a stunning option that provides top quality and practicality with a timeless style to match. It is designed to last up until your child is old enough to be able to sleep in an actual bed. A kit is available that lets it be converted into a junior-sized bed.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is another alternative. It offers many extra features to keep your baby comfortable and content. It has a handy drawer underneath that can be used to keep nappies and blankets in, teething rails, and an adjustable height base with three positions. It's also easy to assemble and has great longevity - it can be converted into a toddler bed with the purchase of an extension kit.

If you're on a budget and want to save money, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great choice. It is available in fashionable off-white wooden cot bed or green, and is priced at only PS372. It takes an ordinary cot mattress and has a height-adjustable base that allows you to lower it as your baby grows. It's also suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four and can be used with the bars removed to create a bench-style toddler's bed.

Design

A real wood cot bed is an investment that can last for a long time and provide a safe environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are durable and versatile and can be adjusted to meet your child's changing needs with a variety of mattress bases. They're also a chic option for any nursery, and blend with the furniture.

Before purchasing a wooden cot and bed cot, it's important to think about your style and design. Some are more modern, while others have a more traditional design. Some are made of solid wood while others are made from composite materials like MDF. Solid-wood beds are more expensive, but they are sturdier and more durable than MDF models.

The best wooden cots will last for a long time, and some can even be converted into a toddler bed. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, which converts from a cot into an adult bed, and later an elegant sofa. It also comes with additional features, such as the tent cover that can give your child role-play opportunities white and wood cot bed a changing tray to provide a convenient nappy station.

Another option is another option is Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot constructed from FSC pine and is finished in a neutral white and wood cot bed or soft beige. It's a good choice for a neutral nursery, and it is easy to assemble the panel we tested took less than an hour to get functioning. This cot does not come with a mattress, so you will need to purchase one separately.

If you're looking for a low-cost cot that doesn't compromise on quality, you can do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's simple to put together and comes with three mattress heights so that it can be used from birth right up until your child is four years old. It is also designed to last the test of time and features a sturdy 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 baby to toddler. It's a unique piece that can be transformed into a toddler bed with a low-level or even a playhouse through the removal of the cot bars. It was simple to put together and our testers liked its sturdy feel.

Safety

As parents, you'll want to ensure your baby is secure at all times. This is especially important when they're sleeping. A good cot ensures that your child is secure and well-fed. It should be free of hazards such as suffocation and entrapment. When searching for the perfect crib, take note of the following safety features.

Make sure the cot is sturdy and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Verify that the bars don't exceed 95 mm apart. Larger gaps can restrict your baby's arms or head. Make sure the cot is enough depth to prevent your child from climbing out.

It should be placed away from power and heaters points, as they could cause overheating. Keep the cot free of soft toys, stuffed animal and other toys that could cause your baby to become suffocated. You should also keep the cot free of blinds and curtains with cords that could pose strangulation hazards for your child.

The majority of new cots and beds have been tested and confirmed to be safe by experts in the field. Some issues can arise after a product has been put on the market. It is important to be wary of heirloom or second-hand cots which might be older than the recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may be painted with harmful lead paint, while old stickers on the sides can peel and become an choking hazard for infants. If you're considering buying an old cot, be sure that the mattress is brand new and has been tested to meet the British safety standard BS EN716.

If you're looking for a multi-purpose cot that can take you through your baby's toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth having a look. It's stylish, durable and solid and comes with three different height levels that grow with your child, before you can convert it into the bed. Our MFM testers said that the instructions were "clear and simple to follow". It doesn't include a mattress, but can be adapted to an existing 120cm x 60cm mattress. You can also buy a teething rail kit and storage drawers to complement it.

Eco-friendly

Solid wood is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it's a strong and durable material. This means that you'll get a piece of furniture that will last for many years and stand up to the bumps 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 premium product that's been made with the utmost care.

Solid-wood cots are also noted for their capacity to be transformed into other furniture for nursery. This is particularly true of the Boori Evolution furniture range, that can be turned 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 means that you don't have to purchase a new cot when your little one is starting to outgrow it.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the top solid-wood cribs we've tried, and it has a host of additional features that work to make it a fantastic choice for any baby. It has teething rails, a drawer, and two different mattress height settings. It is also easy to put together and our test participants 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 that's perfect for any nursery. It's a stunning piece with rounded corners and will make a stunning addition to any room. It's suitable from newborns to three years old. It can be used for a toddler bed or cot, and can be customized with a variety of accessories to match your taste.

Safety is of course paramount when it comes to cots and all cots are required to be in compliance with strict UK safety regulations. You can get details on the safety standards that a specific cot has to be able to comply with by reading the key specs on the website of the manufacturer. If you're unsure about what kind of cot is the most secure for your child, ask your healthcare professional for guidance.