A quality cot-bed made of wood is a wise investment in your child's future. A quality piece of furniture should last until the time they enter the school (insert the crying emoticon). This Scandi-style number features three mattress positions and can be transformed into a toddler bed by using the appropriate extension kit.
It took our panel an hour to put together and the sides are low enough to make washing easy. Our testers were impressed by the simple traditional design.
Material
A solid dark wood sleigh cot bed cot-bed is an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that can be treasured for many years. It will also be able to withstand the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. However, picking the right one is tricky with so many different designs and features available.
The best wood cot beds are made of strong, durable materials such as mahogany or pine. To guard them from water damage, they must be painted, sanded, or stained using paint safe for children. They must also have a mattress that is snug and is labelled with the manufacturer's name and size. The safety of your child is paramount, so make sure that the cot you choose meets the latest British and European safety standards. It should also be endorsed by a reputable international laboratory.
There are cot beds that satisfy every budget and taste regardless of whether you prefer traditional sleighs or a more modern. The Silver Cross Nostalgia is a beautiful choice that offers premium quality and functionality with a timeless style to match. It is built to last until your child is ready to go to bed, and can be transformed into a junior bed with the aid of an optional kit.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot-bed is a different alternative. It has a number of additional features that will keep your baby comfortable and happy. It has a handy drawer beneath to store blankets and nappies, teething rails, and an adjustable base height that can be adjusted to three positions. It is also easy to assemble, and it has a long life. With the purchase of an expansion kit, you can turn it into a toddler's bed.
If you are on a tight budget and want to save money, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great choice. It comes in stylish green or off-white and wooden cot bed and costs only PS372. It can be used with the standard mattress for a cot, and comes with a height-adjustable base, allowing you to lower it as your child grows. It is also suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old 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 a long time and provide a safe environment for your child to grow and rest. They are durable and adaptable and can be adapted to meet your child's changing requirements with a variety of mattress bases. They are also a stylish option for any nursery since they blend in with your furniture.
There are a variety of wooden cot beds and it is essential to consider your style and design before you buy one. Some are more modern, and others have a more traditional design. Some are constructed from solid wood and others are constructed from composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood beds are more expensive, but they can be sturdier and more durable than MDF models.
The best folding wooden cot bed cots can last for a long time and some are transformed into a toddler bed. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, which converts from a cot into an adult bed, and later a stylish sofa. It is also available with additional features, such as the tent cover that can give your child opportunities to role-play and a changing tray that can be used as the convenience of a nappy area.
The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is a different alternative. It is made of FSC Pine and is finished in a neutral white or beige. It is a good option for a nursery with a neutral theme. It's also simple to put together. The panel we tested took just an hour to put together. This cot does not come with a mattress. Therefore, you will need to purchase one separately.
The Elementary cot from John Lewis Anyday is a great option for those seeking a cot for less money without losing quality. It's easy to assemble and includes three mattress height positions so that it can be used from birth until your child turns four years old. It's designed to stand the long haul and is built with an extremely sturdy structure.
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 an exclusive piece that can be transformed into a toddler bed with a low-level or even a playhouse by the removal of the bars for the cot. It was easy to set up and our test subjects liked its sturdy and solid feel.
Safety
As parents you want your child to be safe at all times, and especially when asleep. A quality cot will ensure that your child is secure and well-rested. It should also be free from hazards, like entrapment or suffocation. During your search for the ideal cot be sure to look for these safety features:
Check that the bars are not greater than 95 mm apart. 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 room in the cot to prevent your baby from climbing out.
It should also be positioned away from heaters, power points and windows, which can pose the risk of overheating. Make sure that the cot is free of soft toys, stuffed animals and other objects that could cause your baby to become suffocated. You should also keep the cot free of blinds and curtains that have cords, which could be strangulation hazards for your child.
The majority of cots and beds have been tested and verified to be safe by industry experts. However, some problems can arise after a product is placed on the market, and it's important to be wary of second-hand or heirloom cots that may be older than recommended. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may be painted with toxic lead paint, while old stickers on the side could peel off and cause an choking hazard for infants. If you are thinking of buying a used cot, ensure that the mattress is new and has been tested to meet the British safety standard BS EN716.
If you're looking for a multifunctional cot that can take you through your baby's toddler years and beyond, this model from Stokke is worth a look. It's stylish, solid and sturdy, and comes with three levels of height to accommodate your child's growth before you convert it to a bed. Our MFM test subjects said that the instructions were "clear and simple to follow". It doesn't include a mattress, but can be fitted with an ordinary 120cm x60cm one. You can also purchase a teething rail kit as well as a 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. You'll find furniture that will last a long time and will withstand the bumps and scrapes that are part of everyday family life. Solid wood cot beds are usually made by hand this means you can be certain that you're getting a high-quality product that has been crafted with 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 furniture range, which can be converted into a toddler's bed or even a sofa bed so that your child will have it until they reach six or seven years old. This is an excellent option to save money, and you won't need to buy a new cot for your child if they've outgrown their cot.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood cot bed is one of our top choices. It comes with a variety of features that make it a great choice for any baby. It has a drawer, teething rails and two mattress height settings. It's also incredibly easy to put together and our test participants found it to be the simplest of all the cot beds that we test.
Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot that is perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece of furniture with rounded edges that will look stunning in any space, and it's suitable for babies as young as three years old. It can be used as a cot, toddler bed or a junior bed and it can be customized with a variety of accessories to suit your personal style.
Safety is of course a top priority when it comes to cots and all cots have to conform to strict UK safety regulations. On the site of the manufacturer you can learn about the safety standards a cot must meet. If you're unsure about what kind of cot bed is the most secure for your child, ask your doctor for guidance.