Choosing the right size for your baby’s bed is one of the most important decisions when setting up your nursery. From Moses baskets to junior beds, each option serves a different purpose and stage of your baby’s growth.
At Love For Sleep, we offer a full range of sleep solutions — from compact bedside cribs to full-size cot beds and junior beds — helping parents choose what works best for their space and lifestyle. You can explore the full collection here: https://loveforsleep.co.uk/
This guide will help you understand each size and when to use it.
Moses Baskets (Newborn Stage)
Moses baskets are designed for the first few months of your baby’s life.
They are:
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Ideal for keeping your newborn close
- Perfect for use around the home
However, babies usually outgrow them quickly (around 3–6 months), so they are a short-term solution.
Bedside Cribs (Next-to-Me Style)
Bedside cribs are a popular choice for new parents who want their baby close at night.
They typically:
- Sit next to your bed
- Allow easy access for feeding and comforting
- Provide a safe, separate sleep space
Like Moses baskets, they are mainly used in the early months before moving to a cot or cot bed.
100 x 50 cm Cots (Compact Option)
This is one of the smallest cot sizes available and is ideal for tight spaces.
Best for:
- Smaller rooms or apartments
- Parents who want a compact setup
- Short-term use before upgrading
While practical, babies will outgrow this size faster than larger options.
120 x 60 cm Cots (Standard Cot Size)
This is the most common cot size for everyday use.
It offers:
- More space than compact cots
- Good balance between size and practicality
- Suitable use up to around 2–3 years
This is a great middle-ground option for many families.
140 x 70 cm Cot Beds (Most Popular Choice)
This is the most popular option across the Love For Sleep range.
Cot beds in this size are designed to:
- Grow with your child
- Convert into a toddler bed
- Last from birth up to around 4–6 years
They offer the best balance of comfort, space, and long-term value, which is why many parents choose this size from the start.
160 x 80 cm Junior Beds (Next Stage)
Once your child outgrows a cot bed, the next step is a junior bed.
Junior beds:
- Provide more space for growing children
- Are lower to the ground for safety
- Help transition from toddler bed to a standard single bed
A 160 x 80 cm size is ideal for extending use without jumping straight to a full-size bed.
Which Size Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your space and how long you want the bed to last.
- Moses basket / bedside crib → best for newborn stage
- 100 x 50 cm cot → compact, short-term solution
- 120 x 60 cm cot → standard everyday option
- 140 x 70 cm cot bed → best long-term value
- 160 x 80 cm junior bed → next stage after toddler years
For most parents, starting with a cot bed (140 x 70 cm) offers the best overall value and avoids the need for multiple upgrades.
Why Many Parents Skip Smaller Sizes
While smaller options can seem cheaper, they are often outgrown quickly.
That means:
- More upgrades
- More spending over time
- More disruption for your baby
Choosing a larger cot bed early on can simplify things and save money in the long run.
Don’t Forget the Mattress Size
Each bed size requires a matching mattress:
- 100 x 50 cm → 100 x 50 mattress
- 120 x 60 cm → 120 x 60 mattress
- 140 x 70 cm → 140 x 70 mattress
- 160 x 80 cm → 160 x 80 mattress
A proper fit is essential for safety, with no gaps around the edges.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bed size is about planning ahead as well as meeting your current needs.
- Smaller options are great for the early months
- Cot beds offer the best long-term value
- Junior beds provide the next step as your child grows
By choosing the right size from the start, you can create a safe, comfortable sleep space that grows with your child.
Shop Beds at Love For Sleep
At Love For Sleep, we offer everything from Moses baskets and bedside cribs to cot beds and junior beds, all designed with safety, comfort, and practicality in mind.
Explore the full collection here:
https://loveforsleep.co.uk/