Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed

A solid light wood cot bed crib is an investment for your baby - a good quality piece of furniture should last until the time they begin school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style model has three mattress positions and can be transformed into a toddler bed by using the appropriate extension kit.

It took our panel about an hour to put together, and the sides are low enough to make washing simple. Our testers were impressed by the simple, classic design.

Material

A solid brown wooden cot bed cot bed is a timeless piece nursery furniture that can be treasured for years to come. It is also able to stand up to the bumps and bruises that occur in family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult with so many designs and features to choose from.

The best wood cot beds are constructed from sturdy and durable materials like mahogany or wooden Cot beds pine. To prevent water damage, they must be painted, sanded, or stained with paint that is safe for children. They must also have a mattress that is snug and is marked with the manufacturer's name and size. The safety of your child is paramount. Make sure the crib you choose is in line with the latest British safety standards and European safety regulations. It should also be approved by a reputable international laboratory.

Whether you're seeking traditional sleigh designs or something more contemporary There's a cot bed that will fit your preferences and budget. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, practicality and an elegant design. It is built to last until your child is old enough to be able to sleep in the bed. A kit is available that lets it be converted into a junior bed.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is a different alternative. It has a number of additional features to keep your baby comfy and happy. 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 simple to assemble, and it has a long lifespan. With the purchase of an expansion kit, you can transform it into a bed for toddlers.

If you're on an extremely tight budget, you can consider the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed it is available in off-white or fashionable green and costs just PS372. It takes the standard mattress for a cot, and comes with a height-adjustable base that allows you to lower it as your child grows. It can also be used from birth up to age four and the bars can be removed to make the toddler bed.

Design

A cot-bed made of real wood is an investment for the future. It will last for many years and give your child an environment that is safe to sleep and develop. They are durable and flexible and can be adjusted to meet your child's evolving requirements with a variety of mattress base heights. They're also a chic option for any nursery because they can be incorporated into furniture.

There are a variety of wooden cot beds and it is essential to think about your style and décor before you buy one. Some are more modern, whereas 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 cost more but can be more durable and sturdy than MDF models.

The best wooden cots are built to last. Some can even be converted into a toddler's bed. One of the best examples 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 is available with optional extras like an outdoor tent that allows your child to role-play and a changing table for an easy diaper station.

Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot, which is built from FSC pine and is finished in neutral white wooden cot bed or soft beige. It's a great choice for a nursery that has neutral colors. It is also easy to put together. Our panel took less than an hour to put together. This cot doesn't come with an included mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly cot that isn't compromising on quality, you can do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's simple to put together and has three mattress height positions, so that it can be used from the time of birth up until your child is four. It's 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 premium purchase that will last from baby to toddler. It's an original piece that can be transformed into a low-level bed for toddlers or a playhouse simply by taking out the bars that hold the cot. It was easy to assemble and our testers liked its sturdy and solid feel.

Safety

As parents, you will want to ensure that your baby is safe at all times. This is particularly true when they're sleeping. A good cot ensures that your baby is comfortable and well-fed. It must also be free of hazards, like entrapment or suffocation. When you are looking for the ideal crib, take note of the following safety features.

Make sure that the cot is solid and sturdy and there are no gaps between the bars. Make sure the bars are not more than 95 mm apart - larger gaps could entrap your baby's head or arms. Make sure that the cot has enough depth to prevent your child from escaping.

It should be placed away from power and heaters points, as they could cause overheating. Make sure the cot is free of soft toys, stuffed animal and other items that can make your baby suffocate. It is also important to keep the cot clear of blinds and curtains with cords, which can be a strangulation hazard for your child.

Experts in the field test and certify that most new cots or cribs, cot beds or cribs are safe. However, there are some issues that arise when a product goes on the market, therefore it's important to be wary of heirloom or second-hand cribs that are older than the recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 could be painted with harmful lead paint, and the old stickers on the side can peel and become an choking hazard for infants. If you're thinking about buying a second-hand cot, make sure that the mattress is brand new and is in compliance with British safety standards BS EN716.

This multifunctional cot from Stokke will help you navigate the toddler years of your baby and beyond. It's stylish, solid and durable, with three levels of height that allow it to grow with your child before it can be converted into a bed. It's easy to construct, with our MFM testers praising the instructions for being "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't come with a mattress but it can be made with the standard 120cm x 60cm one. You can also purchase a teething rail kit as well as a 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. This means you'll receive furniture that will last for years and be able to endure the scuffs and scrapes of everyday family life. Solid wood cots are typically constructed by hand, so you know that you're getting a piece that is of the highest quality and has been crafted carefully.

Another reason solid-wood cots stand out is the fact that they can often be converted into other pieces of furniture for the nursery. This is especially true for the Boori Evolution furniture range, that can be turned into a toddler's bed or even a sofa bed so that your child will be able to use it until he is seven or six years old. This is a great way to save money, and you won't need to purchase a new cot for your child if they've outgrown their cot.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the top solid-wood cribs we've tested and it comes with plenty of extra features that help to make it a fantastic option for any baby. It has a handy drawer, teething rails, and two different mattress height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also easy to put together and our testers thought it was the easiest of all the crib bed models we tested.

Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece of furniture with rounded edges. It will look lovely in any room and is suitable for babies as young as three years old. It can be used as a cot, toddler bed or a junior bed, and can be customized with a variety of accessories to match your style.

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