A British or European cot it slightly smaller than an American crib which is nearer in size to the larger UK toddler bed. There are standard sizes for cots and cot beds and it is important to buy the correct sized mattress and bedding.
The typical sleeping arrangements for babies, toddlers and young children in the UK are to start in a Moses basket in the parent's bedroom and then progress to a cot or cot bed, followed by a toddler bed, child's bed or standard single bed. Many children, of course, do not follow this pattern and a substantial minority sleep in the same bed as their parents or siblings.
What is a Moses Basket?
Moses baskets are, just as the name suggests, little baskets for newborn babies to sleep in, suitable from birth. Moses baskets come in slightly different sizes and, depending on the size of the baby, can be used until the infant is up to six months. In the UK, a new Moses basket with mattress will usually cost between £30 and £70. The stand will be a useful extra purchase and will range in price from about £20.
Some of the Moses baskets currently available in the UK include:
- Mamas & Papas Littleland Moses Basket which is described as being suitable for up to three months. It is 70cm in length and 42cm wide. It is available from Argos for £40.
- Winney the Pooh Moses Basket for babies up to 9kg (which would be more than six months old for most infants), is 40cm wide and 84cm long. It is currently available for £45 from Argos.
Is a Carrycot Essential or Useful?
A carrycot is a bassinette or Moses basket which is light in weight, easily portable and will have handles. A newborn baby can be carried in it from one room to another. Carrycots are associated with traditional prams.
A carrycot is not essential but it can be useful to be able to move the baby's bed around the home, especially in the first few months when babies spend most of the day asleep. A small sleeping baby can be moved in the carrycot.
When Do Babies Outgrow a Moses Basket or Cot?
Babies can sleep in a cot from birth or when they grow out of the Moses basket, which could be anytime between two and six months. Babies can sleep in a cot until they can climb out of it, which is usually about two years of age. Toddlers are often moved to sleep in a "normal" bed any time from when they are about 12 months old.
Cribs and Cradles for Sale in the UK.
The terms baby's crib and baby's cradle are used less in the UK than the more popular Moses basket and cot. Cribs and cradles can refer to a baby's bed of any size. These may be bespoke furniture items which are not standard European sizes.
Families with the money and space to splash out on luxurious and special nursery furniture may want to look at cribs and cradles, which are more substantial pieces of bedroom furniture for infants. Usually wooden and traditional in design, they are heavier than a Moses basket and not portable.
How Big is a Cot and How Big Is a European or UK Cot Bed?
Standard cot measurements in the UK and Europe for beds and cot beds are based around standard mattress sizes:
- A cot mattress is usually 60cm x 120cm.
- A cot-bed mattress is a little larger than a cot, with a mattress of 70cm x 140cm.
The sides of a cot bed can be removed so it can be converted into a toddler bed, families must decide whether it would be better to invest in the larger and more expensive cot bed or a standard cot.
What are the Smallest Cots and Cot Beds for Sale in the UK?
Babies take up a lot of space, so ways of saving space for many young families are important. If a side can be removed from a standard cot, then a child could comfortably sleep in it until about four years of age, possibly five, depending on the size of the child. The sides of cot-beds can be removed to turn them into toddler beds for young children until about five or six years of age.
- The Ikea Hensvik model of standard cot has one side which can be removed so that it can be used as a bed by toddlers when they are old enough for this change. This bed has two mattress positions and no other special features. At only £80, this is possibly the cheapest and smallest cot bed available.
- The Saplings Jessica cot is slightly smaller than a standard cot, so it is perfect for homes with limited space, where saving a few extra inches will be important. It has a drop side and two mattress base positions. The cot measurements are 123L x 61W x 98H cm.
Buying Moses Baskets, Cribs & Cradles, Cots & Cot Beds in the UK
Babies do not have to sleep in a cot but could move from the Moses basket at between three and six months of age to a single bed or to sleep with their parents. Most babies in the UK do sleep in a cot and often in a Moses basket initially.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
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