Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A real wood cot-bed is a good investment for your child's future. A quality piece of furniture will last until they start the school (insert the crying emoticon). This Scandi-style bed has three mattress positions, and can be made into a toddler's bed with the right extension kit.

The panel took us about an hour to construct and the sides are low to make washing easy. Our testers were impressed by this simple, classic design.

Material

A real wood cot-bed can be an elegant piece of furniture for your nursery that can be treasured for years. It will also be able to stand up to the bumps and bruises that happen in the family life. It can be difficult due to the variety of designs and features to choose from.

The best cot bed made of wood is constructed from strong, durable materials like mahogany or pine. They should be sanded and stained or painted with child-safe paint to protect against water damage. They must also have a mattress that is comfortable and is marked with the manufacturer's name and size. Your child's safety is the most important thing. Make sure the cot you select meets the most recent British safety standards as well as European safety regulations. It should be approved by an internationally recognized laboratory.

There are cot beds that meet the needs of all budgets and tastes, whether you prefer traditional sleighs or something more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a stunning option that provides high-end quality and function with a timeless style to match. It's designed to last until your toddler is ready to move into an actual bed. There is a kit available that allows 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 comfortable and content. It comes with a drawer to store nappies, blankets and teething rails. The height of the base can be adjusted in three different positions. It's also easy to assemble and lasts for a long time - it can be converted into a bed for toddlers with the purchase of an extension kit.

If you're on a tight budget, you can also consider the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed it is available in off-white or fashionable green and costs just PS372. It's the standard cot bed and has a height adjustable base that allows you to lower the bed as your child grows. It is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old and can be used with the bars removed to create an adjustable toddler bed that resembles a bench.

Design

A solid wood cot bed is a wise 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 modified to meet your child's changing needs with a variety of mattress heights. They also make a fashionable option for any nursery as they blend in with your other furniture.

There are a variety of wooden cot bed design cot beds, and it is important to consider your style and décor before you buy one. Some are more modern, while others have a more traditional style. Some are constructed from solid wood, while others are manufactured from composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood cots cost more but are also more durable and robust than MDF models.

The most durable wooden cot with bed price cots are made to last. Some can even be converted into a toddler's bed. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, Solid Wood Cot Bed which transforms from a cot to the size of a junior bed, then a stylish sofa. It is also available with additional features, such as an outdoor cover that gives your child the chance to play with their role and a changing tray to provide a convenient nappy station.

The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is another great alternative. It is made from FSC Pine and finished with a neutral beige or white. It is a good option for a nursery that has a neutral theme. It's also simple to assemble. The panel we tested took just an hour to put together. This cot doesn't come with mattresses, so you'll need to purchase a mattress separately.

If you're looking for a low-cost cot that isn't compromising on quality, you could do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's easy to assemble and has three mattress height positions so that it can be used from birth right until your child is four. It is also designed to last the long haul and is built with an extremely sturdy structure.

Check out the Little Interiors 1950s-inspired cot by Danish brand Done by Deer for a top-quality purchase that will last from infant to toddler. It's an original piece that can be turned to a bed that is low-level for toddlers or a playhouse simply by cutting off the bars that hold the cot. It was simple to put together and our testers liked its sturdy and solid feel.

Safety

As parents, you will want to ensure that your child is secure at all times. This is particularly true when they're sleeping. A good cot ensures that your child is secure and well-rested. It should be free of hazards like entrapment and suffocation. During your search for the ideal cot be sure to look for these safety features:

Check that the bars are not more than 95 millimetres apart. Make sure the bars are less than 95 mm apart - bigger gaps could trap your baby's head or arms. Also, ensure that there's enough room in the cot to prevent your baby from escaping.

It should also be positioned away from heaters, windows and power points, which can pose a risk of overheating. It is also recommended to keep the cot free of toys such as stuffed animals, toys and other soft items, which could be a suffocation hazard for your child. You should also keep your cot away form blinds and curtains with cords. They could pose a strangulation risk for your child.

Experts in the industry test and certify that most new cots, cot beds and cribs are safe. Some issues can arise after a product has been released to the market. It is important to be aware of heirloom or second-hand cots which may be older than recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 may have been painted with toxic lead paint. Old stickers on the sides of the cot can fall off and pose an choking hazard for infants. If you're considering purchasing a second-hand crib, make sure that the mattress is brand new and is in compliance with British safety standards BS EN716.

If you're looking for a multifunctional cot that can take your baby through the toddler years and beyond, this model from Stokke is worth a look. It's stylish, solid and sturdy, with three levels of height that allow it to accommodate your child's growth before you convert it to a bed. It's easy to construct, with our MFM test participants praising the instructions for being "clear and easy to follow". It does not have a mattress included, but can be made with a standard 120cm x 60cm one. A teething rail kit, as well as storage drawers 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. You'll find furniture that lasts for a long period of time and can withstand the bumps and scrapes that are part of everyday family life. Solid oak wood cot bed cot beds are usually made by hand this means you can be certain that you're getting a premium product that has been crafted with the utmost care.

Solid-wood cots are also noted for their capacity to be converted into other furniture for 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 will last for your child right up until they're six or seven years old. This is a great value for money and also means that you don't need to purchase a new cot once your child begins to outgrow it.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the top solid-wood cot beds we've tested, and it comes with plenty of additional features that work to make it an excellent choice for any baby. It comes with a useful drawer, teething rails and two mattress base height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly easy to put together, and our testers found it to be the easiest of all of the cot beds that we tested.

Scandi Classic cot bed dark wood Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot that's perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece of furniture with rounded edges. It will make a stunning addition to any room, and it's suitable for newborns from 3 years old to. It can be used as a toddler bed or cot, and can be customized with a variety of accessories to match your personal preferences.

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 learn about the safety standards that a cot must meet. If you're unsure about what kind of cot is the most secure for your child, consult your doctor for advice.