Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A solid wood cot bed is an investment for your little one A good quality piece of furniture should last until the time they begin school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style model features three mattress positions and can be transformed into a bed for toddlers with the appropriate extension kit.

The panel took us an hour to put together, and the sides are low enough to allow for easy washing. Our testers were impressed by the simple traditional design.

Material

A solid wooden cot bed is a timeless piece of nursery furniture that can be loved for many years to come. It can also stand up to the inevitable bumps and bruises that come with family life. It can be difficult because of the numerous styles and features available.

The best wood cot bed is constructed of sturdy and durable materials such as pine or mahogany. To prevent water damage, they must be painted and sanded or stained with child-safe paint. They should also have a fitted mattress that fits snugly and is marked with the brand's name and size. The safety of your child is paramount. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the latest British safety standards as well as European safety regulations. It must be approved by an internationally recognized laboratory.

There are cot beds that meet the needs of all budgets and tastes regardless of whether you prefer a classic sleigh or something more contemporary. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, practicality and a timeless design. It's designed to last up until your child is old enough to move into an actual bed. There is a kit available that permits it to be converted into a junior bed.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is a different option. It has a number of additional features that will keep your baby snug and happy. It has a drawer that can be used for nappies, blankets and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted in three different positions. It is also easy to assemble, and it has a long lifespan. When you buy an expansion kit, you can convert it into a bed for toddlers.

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

Design

A real wood cot bed is an investment that can last for years and provide a safe space for your child to grow and rest. They are durable and flexible and can be adjusted to meet your child's evolving requirements by adjusting the mattress bases. They are also a stylish option for any nursery as they can be incorporated into furniture.

Before you buy a wooden cot bed, it's important to think about your style and decor. Some are more modern, and others have a more traditional style. Some are made from solid wood and others are constructed from composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood cots are more costly but can be more durable and sturdy than MDF models.

The best wooden cot bed price cots will last for a long time, and some are converted into a toddler bed. A good example 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 comes with optional extras like a tent to allow your child to role-play and a changing table for an easy diaper station.

The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is another excellent alternative. It is made of FSC Pine and finished in white or beige tones. It is a good option for a nursery with a neutral theme. It is also easy to put together. Our panel took less than an hour to put together. The cot doesn't have a mattress included it, so you'll have to purchase a mattress separately.

If you're looking to buy a budget-friendly cot that isn't compromising on quality, you can choose the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's simple to put together and includes three mattress height positions so that it can be used from birth until your child turns four. It also includes teething rails and is designed to stand the test of time thanks to its sturdy construction.

Take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a premium purchase that will last from infant to toddler. It's a unique piece that can be converted into a low-level bed suitable for toddlers or a playhouse simply by cutting off the bars for the cot. It was fairly simple to construct and our testers really liked the sturdy feel of it.

Safety

As parents you want your child to be secure at all times, especially when they are asleep. A cot that is well-constructed will ensure that your baby is well-rested and comfy. It must also be free of hazards, like entrapment or suffocation. When searching for the perfect cot, consider the following safety features.

Ensure the cot is solid and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Check that the bars are not more than 95 mm apart - larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Also, ensure there's enough space within the cot to stop your baby from climbing out.

It should also be placed away from windows and power points which could pose a risk of overheating. You should also make sure that the cot is free of toys including stuffed animals, toys and other soft items, which can be an entrapment risk for your infant. You should also keep the cot free of blinds and curtains with cords that could pose an entrapment risk for your child.

Experts in the field verify and test that all new cots or cribs, cot beds or cribs are safe. However, some problems can arise after a product is put on the market, and it's crucial to be aware of second-hand or heirloom cribs that are older than what is recommended. Cots made before 1973 could be painted with toxic lead paint, while old stickers on the side could peel off and cause a choking hazard for babies. If you're considering buying an old cot, be sure that the mattress is new and has been tested to meet the British safety standards BS EN716.

This multi-functional cot from Stokke will see you through the toddler years of your baby and beyond. It's elegant, durable and sturdy, with three different height levels that grow with your child, before it can be converted into the bed. Our MFM testers reported that the instructions were "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't have a mattress included, but can be fitted with a standard 120cm x 60cm one. You can also purchase a teething rail kit and storage drawer 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 you'll get a piece of furniture that will last for a long time and endure the scuffs and scrapes of everyday family life. Solid wood cot beds are usually made by hand so you can be sure that you're getting a high-quality product that was crafted with the utmost care.

Another reason solid-wood cots stand out is that they are often able to be transformed into other pieces of nursery furniture. This is particularly true of the Boori Evolution range of furniture, which can be transformed 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 an excellent way to save money, and you won't need to buy a new crib for your child once they've outgrown their cot.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood cot bed is one of our top choices. It is packed with lots of features that make it an excellent option for any baby. It has teething rails, a drawer, and two different mattress height settings. It's also very easy to put together, and our test participants found it to be the easiest of all the cot beds we tested.

Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot bed wooden that's perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece with rounded corners and will make a stunning addition to any room. It's suitable for infants to three-year-olds. It can be used as an infant bed or a cot, and can be customized by adding different accessories to suit your preferences.

Of course when it comes down to cot beds, safety is paramount and all cots must comply with the strict UK safety standards. You can find details of the safety standards that a specific cot has to follow by reviewing the main specifications on the manufacturer's website. If you're unsure about what kind of cot bed white and wood bed is the most secure for your child, ask your healthcare professional for advice.