Top Tips
- Young children move around a lot when sleeping and can easily fall out of bed.
- If you purchase a cot with drop-down sides, be aware that young babies can slide between the frame and the mattress which can cause injury or restrict breathing. Our information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at the bottom of this page has lots of information relating to best practice involving babies and sleeping.
- Bunk beds are not recommended for children under 6.
Buying Guide
- When thinking of buying cots and beds consider what your priorities are. Is it cost, or is it more important for it to be easy to set up? How about the safety and suitability for your child? Make sure you have read our information about SIDS at the bottom of this page.
- Check any cot conforms to the latest safety standard, BS EN 716-1:2008+A1:2013. It should be marked with a reference to this standard together with the name or trademark of the manufacturer, distributor or retailer. The cot should also be accompanied with assembly instructions.
- If you’re buying a second-hand cot you may wish to replace the mattress. Any new mattress should be a good fit to the cot, ensuring your baby cannot trap their arms of legs down the side.
Bunk Beds
- We do not advise that children under the age of 6 sleep in bunk beds, However, as your child gets older, you may wish to use one.
How To Set Up
- Follow the instructions provided but if you’ve purchased a second-hand item, without instructions, find out the manufacturer is and search online to see if you can find a set.
- For child safety, it is best to site cots for babies, and beds for young children, away from windows and radiators. Young babies should always be placed on their backs ‘feet to foot’ of the cot without pillows, cot bumpers or soft toys in the cot, to keep them safe.
SIDS
Further information regarding Safe Sleeping for babies can be found at the Lullaby Trust and from the NHS