Choosing a real wood cot bed (look at these guys)

A solid wood cot-bed is a good investment for your child's future. A good piece of furniture is likely to last until they start school (insert the crying emoji). This Scandi-style bed features three mattress positions, and can be transformed to a toddler's bed using the right extension kit.

Our panel took about an hour to assemble and the sides are low enough to allow for easy washing. Our testers loved this clean traditional design.

Material

A solid wood cot-bed is an iconic piece of furniture for the nursery that can be cherished for years. It will also be able to withstand the inevitable bumps and bruises of family life. However, choosing the right one is tricky with so many different designs and features available.

The most durable wood cot beds are constructed from sturdy, durable materials such as pine or mahogany. To prevent water damage, they should be sanded and painted or stained using paint safe for children. They should also have a fitted mattress that fits snugly and is labeled with the manufacturer's name and size. Your child's safety is of paramount importance, so make sure that the cot you choose meets the latest British and European safety standards. It must be approved by a renowned laboratory.

There are cot bed natural wood beds that satisfy every budget and taste and budget, whether you want an old-fashioned sleigh or something more modern. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functionality and an elegant design. It is built to last until your child is old enough to be able to sleep in the bed. There is a kit available that allows it to be converted into a junior bed.

Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which has plenty of extra features to keep your baby happy and comfortable. It features a drawer to store nappies, blankets and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted in three different positions. It's also easy to assemble and has great longevity and can be transformed into a toddler bed by the purchase of an extension kit.

If you're on a tight budget, you can also consider the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed that is available in off-white and wooden cot bed or fashionable green for just PS372. It uses an ordinary cot bed and has a height-adjustable base that lets you lower the bed 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 an adjustable toddler bed that resembles a bench.

Design

A real wood cot bed is an investment that will last for years and provide a safe environment for your child to grow and sleep. They are designed to be durable and adaptable, allowing them to adapt to the changing needs of your child with a range of mattress base heights and conversion options. They're also a stylish option for any nursery, and blend in with the rest of your furniture.

There are many different kinds of wooden cot bed and mattress cot beds, and it is essential to think about your style and decor before purchasing one. Some are more traditional, whereas others are modern in design. Some are constructed from solid wood, while others are made from composite materials, such as MDF. Solid-wood beds are more expensive, but they are more durable and more durable than MDF models.

The best wooden cot single bed cots will last for years, and some of them can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. One example is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to an adult bed, and later an elegant sofa. It also comes 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 a convenient nappy station.

The Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot is another excellent option. It is made of FSC Pine and finished with a neutral white or beige. It's a great choice for a neutral-themed nursery, and it is easy to assemble the panel we tested took less than an hour to get it functioning. This cot isn't equipped with a mattress. Therefore, you will need to purchase one separately.

If you're looking to buy a budget-friendly cot that won't skimp on quality, you can choose the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's easy to put together, and has three mattress height settings so it can be used for your child from birth to four years old. It also has teething rails and is built to withstand the test of time with a robust construction.

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

Safety

As parents, you'll want to ensure your baby is always safe. This is particularly true when they're asleep. A good cot ensures that your child is safe and well-fed. It should be free of hazards such as suffocation and entrapment. While searching for the ideal cot look for the following safety features:

Make sure the cot is sturdy and sturdy and has no gaps between the bars. Check that the bars do not exceed 95 millimetres. Wider gaps could restrict your baby's arms or head. Also, ensure that there's enough depth in the cot to prevent your baby from climbing out.

It should be kept away from heaters and power points, since they can cause overheating. Also, make sure that the cot is free of toys, stuffed animals and other soft items, which can be an entrapment risk for your baby. Also, keep your cot free of blinds and curtains with cords. These can pose a strangulation risk for your child.

The majority of new cots and beds have been tested and confirmed to be safe by experts in the field. However, some problems can arise when a product goes on the market, therefore it's crucial to be aware of second-hand or heirloom beds that are older than recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 may have been painted with toxic lead paint. Old stickers on the side of the cot could peel off and pose an choking hazard for infants. If you're thinking about buying a second-hand cot, make sure the mattress is new and is in compliance with British safety standards BS EN716.

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

Eco-friendly

Solid wood is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot bed designs in wood beds because it's a strong and durable material. This means you'll receive furniture that will last for a long time and take on the scuffs and scrapes that come with daily family life. Solid wood cots are also often made by hand, which means you know that you're getting an item of top quality that is carefully crafted.

Solid-wood cots are also noted for their ability to be transformed into other furniture for the 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 six or seven years old. This gives you great value for money and also means that you don't need to buy a new crib when your child begins to outgrow it.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin is one of the top solid-wood cribs we've tested and it has a host of extra features to make it a fantastic option for any baby. It has a handy drawer, teething rails, and two different mattress base height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also easy to put together and our test subjects thought it was the easiest of all the cot bed models 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. It will look stunning in any space and is suitable for infants and children from 3 years old to. It can be used as a cot, a toddler bed, or a junior bed, and can be customised with various accessories to match your preferences.

Safety is of course paramount when it comes cot beds and all cots have to comply with strict UK safety regulations. On the manufacturer's site you can read about the safety standards that cots must meet. If you're unsure about what kind of cot is the most secure for your child, consult your doctor for guidance.