Sleeping Equipment (1-5 Years)

Understanding Sleeping Equipment (1-5 Years)

  • As children grow, their sleep needs change and so does their sleeping equipment. It’s important to adapt the sleep environment according to a child’s age, size, mobility, and developmental stage.
  • Key sleeping equipment for this age group includes cots, cot beds, toddler beds, bed guards, and duvets.

Cots

  • Cots are typically suitable for babies from birth up to 2-3 years old, depending on the child’s size and developmental stage.
  • A cot should have a firm, safe mattress that fits the cot base with no gaps, to prevent the risk of the child becoming trapped.
  • The mattress should be replaced for each new child to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Cots should have fixed sides once the child is old enough to pull themselves up to stand, to prevent falls.

Cot Beds

  • Cot beds are larger than cots and can be converted into toddler beds once the child outgrows the need for sides.
  • This makes them a cost-effective choice since it grows with the child.
  • Like cots, cot beds should have a firm, safe and well-fitted mattress.

Toddler Beds

  • Toddler beds are small, low beds suitable for children from about 18 months to 4 years.
  • They can be a good transition between a cot and a full-sized bed.
  • Being lower to the ground than a full-sized bed, toddler beds are easier for small children to get in and out of, and they limit the distance of falls.

Bed Guards

  • Bed guards are a safety device used to prevent young children from falling out of bed.
  • They can be used when the child first transitions from a cot to a toddler bed or a full-sized bed.

Duvets

  • Using a duvet instead of a blanket can be a safe sleeping option for older toddlers.
  • The duvet should ideally be a low tog (4.0-4.5 tog) and be correctly sized to fit the bed without hanging over the sides, to reduce the risk of overheating and suffocation.

Considerations When Choosing Sleeping Equipment

  • All equipment should meet British safety standards and be in strong, clean and good condition.
  • The design of sleeping equipment should not include any small parts, sharp edges or points that could cause injury.
  • Regularly check for wear and tear which could make the equipment unsafe.
  • Consider durability, size, and ease of cleaning when choosing equipment.
  • While cost-effectiveness is important, it should never lead to compromises on the safety or comfort of your child.