Made To Measure Cot Mattress? The 61 Top Answers

A cot (referred to as a “crib” by the British, but known as a “crib” by Americans) is a small bed specially designed for young children. Cots have a fence-like barrier around the bottom of the bed to ensure children don’t crawl or fall out of the bed while they sleep. Baby cribs are used for babies who have already started crawling and can easily bump into the sides of a bassinet. But how big are cribs, crib mattresses and crib bedding? There are some common sizes that new parents should know about.

There are different types of cribs with different bed frame sizes, mattresses and bedding options. The typical size of a crib is approximately 60 inches x 30 inches x 53 inches. A mattress that fits a standard crib is typically 55″ x 27.5″, a crib would be approximately 65″ x 40″ and a duvet cover for a crib would be 57″ x 48″.

Example of typical sizes for cots and cot mattresses. Images from Kid’s Zone Furniture and sizechart.com.

Note that the dimensions given above may not be the same for every crib. The size and characteristics of a cot are directly related to its origin and type. Cots are designed differently and serve different purposes depending on the age of the toddler and the preferences of the owner.

This article aims to give some more information about the sizes of cribs, mattresses and duvet covers. We’ll also discuss some quick tips for customizing the sleeping space around a toddler in a crib. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a crib?” you might like the linked article.

Related articles:

Cot accessories and why you need them

How big is a cot?

The size of a crib depends entirely on its type and purpose. The size of a crib also depends on the age category for which it is designed. As previously mentioned, the typical size of a standard crib is 60″ x 30″ x 53″, but these dimensions can vary significantly depending on the type of crib.

Below are some main types of cribs along with their sizes and functional characteristics:

Standard Crib – This type of crib is usually referred to as a “classic crib”. In general, it is a wooden crib, which is characterized by a relatively long service life compared to other types of cribs. Therefore, standard cots are very convenient for families who want to have more than one child. Most standard cribs (especially modern ones) have removable bars that allow the owner to detach the sides and turn it into a regular bed. The typical size of a standard crib is approximately 60″ x 30″ x 53″. You might like our article on when to convert a baby from a crib to a toddler bed.

– This type of cot is usually referred to as a “classic cot”. In general, it is a wooden crib, which is characterized by a relatively long service life compared to other types of cribs. Therefore, standard cots are very convenient for families who want to have more than one child. Most standard cribs (especially modern ones) have removable bars that allow the owner to detach the sides and turn it into a regular bed. The typical size of a standard crib is approximately 60″ x 30″ x 53″. You might like our article on when to convert a baby from a crib to a toddler bed. Mini Crib – A mini crib is a smaller version of a standard crib. Also, such beds can be equipped with removable bars, which makes it possible to convert it into a standard bed. The outside dimensions of a typical mini crib are approximately 53 inches by 26 inches.

– A mini cot is a smaller version of a standard cot. Also, such beds can be equipped with removable bars, which makes it possible to convert it into a standard bed. The outside dimensions of a typical mini crib are approximately 53 inches by 26 inches. Convertible Crib – As mentioned, standard and mini cribs can have detachable bars that allow the owner to convert a crib into a regular bed. These types of cribs are also known as “convertible cribs” which are very popular around the world. The size of a convertible crib depends on whether it is a standard, mini or other crib.

– As mentioned, standard and mini cribs can have detachable bars that allow the owner to convert a crib into a regular bed. These types of cribs are also known as “convertible cribs” which are very popular around the world. The size of a convertible crib depends on whether it is a standard, mini or other crib. Functional Cot – One of the most comfortable types of cribs is a functional crib that is meant to serve multiple purposes. In general, this type of crib has some drawers and a changing table, which allows the owner to save space and have additional storage space. A functional crib will be relatively large due to its multifunctional nature. The approximate size of a functional crib is 73 inches x 33 inches x 44 inches. Here are some tips to make a crib cozier.

If you want additional information about different types of cribs, you can read these articles from YouAreMom and Home Stratosphere. We also have an article on how to assemble a crib (tips and tricks).

If you prefer to buy a crib through Amazon, here are some options:

A convertible wooden cot with a cot mattress. Image from Amazon.

How big is a mattress for a crib?

The size of a crib mattress depends entirely on the type of crib itself. As mentioned in the previous section, there are different types of cribs with different sized bed frames and all require matching sized mattresses. As a rule, the size of the corresponding cot mattress is indicated on the packaging of the cot. The dimensions of mattresses for different types of cribs can range from 39.3 inches x 19.6 inches to 55.2 inches x 27.6 inches.

Although most cribs come with a mattress, some options only include a bed frame. In such cases, you need to buy a crib mattress (aka a crib mattress) that fits the crib frame perfectly. As we’ve already discussed, standard cribs are fairly durable, and families with more than one child can usually use the same bed for each child. There is no question that a high-quality children’s bed will last for years – but what about the mattress?

Of course, at some point you will have to replace the old mattress with a new one. To do this, it is important to consider some aspects related to the size of the mattress.

The first thing to think about when buying a mattress is the size of your baby and how much space they need to have around them when they sleep on the mattress. For example, the average height of a 6-month-old baby is about 26.3 inches, and the dimensions of a mini crib are about 47 inches by 23.6 inches. When a 6 month old baby sleeps in a mini cot bed, there is plenty of space in the bed for the baby to move around. On the other hand, if a 3-year-old sleeps on the exact same mattress, there isn’t enough room to move around freely (since the average height of a 3-year-old is 37 inches). We have some tips to make a crib feel smaller if you find your baby has too much space around them.

To help you choose the right mattress for your crib, here are some options available on Amazon:

Related articles:

How long does a crib mattress last?

The longevity of a mattress depends on its type, what it is used for and, most importantly, how well you take care of it. Therefore, it is almost impossible to predict how long a crib mattress will last.

As a rule, a high-quality cot mattress lasts 7-10 years. However, the lifespan of a mattress can be affected by a variety of factors, including the age of the child using it, the number of children who have slept on it, and how well it has been treated (or the number of times children have jumped on it). the bed).

There are no hard and fast rules as to when an old crib mattress should be replaced with a new one. Some signs that your crib mattress is too old could be the following:

The mattress shows clear signs of wear;

The mattress is no longer comfortable to sleep on;

The mattress is too dusty and full of allergens; and or

The mattress has lost its shape and texture.

For more details and general guidelines on mattress replacement, see this Healthline article by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst.

What size is bedding for cribs?

The size of a duvet cover for a crib is not as important as that of the mattress, as you can always adjust the bedding to fit the crib. The only important thing is that the duvet cover should not be smaller than the mattress itself.

In general, the size of a normal crib duvet cover is approximately 63 inches x 47 inches. However, the size depends entirely on the type of crib and its mattress.

If you are looking to buy a crib duvet cover online, here are a few options from Amazon:

Related article:

Is it safe to adjust the sleeping space around an infant?

A baby’s transition to a crib is an essential process and requires close attention to various aspects. If you’re a new parent and want to get some tips and tricks on how to change up your baby’s sleep routine, check out this article written by Faith Onimiya.

If you’ve just transitioned your baby from a bassinet to a crib, you may want to customize the sleeping space with different types of sleep positioners. But how safe is that?

There have been dozens of cases of infant choking and death caused by improper use of sleep positioners, pillows, or blankets. As a result, crib sleep positioners (such as cradle wedges) have been classified as dangerous by various organizations around the world. It is not recommended to use sleep positioners, pillows or blankets in a crib – the only two things that should be in a crib are a proper mattress and the baby.

For more information on the dangers of baby sleep positioners, see the following articles from Clarion-Ledger, the BBC, and the FDA.

Prepare for your baby with this classically designed crib/crib. With its stylish, simple detail, this baby bed will be an elegant addition to your child’s bedroom for years to come.

With clean, simple lines in a crisp white finish, this Shipley crib/toddler bed offers a clean, classic look. The convertible cot grows with your little one into a toddler bed when needed and is designed to outlast your baby through their first few years.

The cot converts into a toddler bed when your little one outgrows it. Remove the side panels and leave behind a stylish toddler bed, a perfect transition between a child’s bed and an adult bed.

The adjustable bed base is adjustable in 3 heights, making access to the baby even easier and safer. It is safer than a traditional folding bed.

Part of our Shipley collection, this cot complements the other pieces in this range. Crafted from engineered wood, the ivory colored wooden frame features beautiful detailing that gives this piece an elegant look.

Dimensions

A cot mattress that is too soft increases the risk of fatal sleeping accidents. When a baby rolls over face first, their nose could press against padding or undulating surfaces in the mattress and their breathing could be obstructed.

But did you know that there is no mandatory safety standard for crib mattresses in Australia? This means you can legally buy an unsafe crib mattress.

So if crib mattresses don’t have to meet product safety standards, how do you know which mattresses are safe?

Follow our guide to choosing the safest mattress for your baby.

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How firm is firm?

Safety experts advise parents to always choose a “firm” mattress to minimize the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). But until recently there was no single definition of “strength”.

The good news is that there is now a standard firmness test method, AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 Method 1: Sleeping Surfaces – Firmness Test. However, it is not mandatory for crib mattress manufacturers (or manufacturers of other infant sleeping surfaces, such as a bassinet) to meet this standard, and we still don’t see many mattresses claiming compliance. This means consumers still don’t know if a crib mattress is safe.

When we test crib mattresses in the CHOICE labs, we test them to this standard, so our crib mattress reviews can tell you which ones passed or failed our safety tests.

But if you’re wondering if your current crib mattress is firm enough, we have some tips for testing that at home.

Two milk cartons placed on top of a stack of CDs is a useful way to test for firmness. This mattress is safe because the bottom cardboard overhang does not come into contact with the mattress surface.

Wrap a stack of DVDs or CDs in cling film.

How to test the firmness of the crib mattress at home

To circumvent the lack of information about compliance, Dr. Ron Somers, one of the researchers behind the Standard Strength Test, developed a DIY method for parents and carers that mimics the standard laboratory-based strength test.

This informal testing method is for home use only and is not a substitute for the standard strength test (which uses a calibrated instrument and a conditioned laboratory environment). But it’s a lot better than not knowing how safe your mattress is in the first place. If your mattress doesn’t pass this test, it’s definitely not safe.

You need:

Two unopened 1-liter square-bottomed (not rectangular-bottomed) milk or juice cartons

A marker

A ruler

A stack of 12 DVDs or CDs (not in their cases), protectively and tightly wrapped in cling film

Method:

Mark one of the milk cartons with a line 40mm parallel from the bottom. Mark all four sides like this so that they form a ring around the cardboard. Place the tightly wrapped discs near the softest part of the sleeping surface. Look for a “worst case scenario” such as B. a crease or bump on the surface where a baby’s nose could be positioned. Place the marked milk carton sideways on the stack of discs so it is centered and line up the marked line with the edge of the disc leaving a 40mm overhang. Make sure the overhang sits over the soft part of the sleeping surface. Lay the second box across and stack it on top of the first so that the stack is as even as possible – this usually means choosing an off-centre position. See if the overhang touches the soft part of the sleeping surface. If this is the case, the sleeping surface is too soft to be safe. Test a few spots on the mattress, especially anywhere the child’s head might rest. A mattress should be firm enough at every point on the lying surface.

Testing mattress firmness at home Our video demonstrates an informal method of determining mattress firmness at home.

The importance of a good fit

It is important for the safety of the cot that the mattress fits the cot snugly and conforms to the dimensions recommended by the cot manufacturer.

There must never be more than 4 cm between the edge of the mattress and the adjacent side of the bed when the mattress is pushed to the opposite side. Gaps on the sides are a choking hazard, as is the firmness.

But if a mattress is too tight, parts of it can deform and bunch up along the edge of the bed, making it easier for a child to climb out of bed. It could also result in the hull not moving freely, if any.

It is therefore important that manufacturers state at least the length and width of the mattress on their label, and preferably also the thickness.

The thickness of the crib mattress can also be the difference between a crib that does not meet the mandatory crib depth standard. The distance from the upper edge of the mattress to the upper edge of the lowest side should be at least 50 cm in the lowest position and at least 30 cm in the upper position when the side wall is closed.

material and quilting

When it comes to mattress construction, you’ll find a wide variety, including foam, latex, and innerspring. All of these types of mattresses are capable of passing the strength test, so we cannot choose one type over another, but an inexpensive and very basic mattress is just as good as any other.

You will often find crib mattresses that promise “comfort” or “support” for your baby. A baby is not built like an adult, and a firm mattress, not a padded one, is safest for your baby. Our tests show that crib mattresses that are flat and lack wavy or quilted features are less likely to pass our firmness test.

Warning about vacuum packed crib mattresses

Some crib mattresses are shipped in boxes in which they are vacuum packed and rolled up. You must allow at least several days for the mattress to fully expand. In our test, some cot mattresses remained slightly sagged even after several weeks and thus failed the strength test.

Are used crib mattresses safe?

New crib mattresses are best. However, if you’re buying a used one, it’s important to know that any previously used mattress should be firm enough, clean, and free of moisture or mold. It is also important that it fits well in the cot. Red Nose has more information on using used mattresses.

Tips for sleeping safely

Visit the Red Nose website for more tips on storing your crib safely. The most important things to remember:

Choose a standard cot; See our crib reviews for recommendations.

Never wrap your mattress in plastic or any other non-breathable material.

Stuffed animals and bumpers can pose a choking hazard and should never be placed in the cot.

Always lay the baby on their back to sleep with their feet on the bottom of the cot.

Do not use doonas/quilts, lambswool, thick blankets or pillows in the crib.

Buy a firm, secure mattress.

Keep baby’s head uncovered and away from blankets, which should be tucked in tightly. Alternatively, use a secure sleeping bag.

Looking for mattresses for cots? We tested to find the best for you. See mattress rating for cribs

Stock images: Getty unless otherwise noted.

Depending on the child, moving from crib to bed can be a matter of comfort or necessity. For parents planning to have multiple children a few years apart, the move from the first to the “adult bed” can be urgent if your new arrival is going to be sleeping in the crib very soon.

It is recommended that your newborn sleeps in the same room as you for the first 6 months, so any crib you choose should fit comfortably in your bedroom for this time. Otherwise, a rollaway bed or moses basket can prove to be a worthwhile investment in the first few months before the switch, allowing you to be closer to your little one in their early days without making them look too small and lost in a crib from the start.

Cots, while very similar to cribs, are generally larger due to their versatile design. A standard mattress size of around 70cm x 140cm is usually required, although this can vary by brand and model. SnuzKot, for example, sits right in between the standard crib and crib sizes and pairs perfectly with SnuzSurface to give your baby continued support as they grow. SnuzKot will see your little one through years of comfortable sleep up to the age of 4, make it 10 if you buy it with an expansion set!

SnuzFino, the latest addition to our range of sleek and modern nursery furniture, is also designed to grow with your child. With two mattress heights, the SnuzFino cot is suitable from birth up to 4 years. With its toddler kit, it easily converts into your child’s very first bed, with specially designed toddler rails and a curved canopy to give your little one a sense of security while they sleep.

Now let’s break all of that down into a concise pros & cons list for anyone who needs a bite-sized overview!

You’ve already bought the perfect crib, and now it’s time to find the very best crib mattress for your baby. To ensure your child gets the best possible support and sleep, here is everything you need to know about choosing a crib mattress, along with our list of the best crib mattresses.

Types of mattresses for children’s beds

When choosing a mattress for your baby crib, you have three main choices:

Foam Bed Mattress: Designed to provide the right amount of support and maintain your baby’s natural posture.

Spring core or pocket spring core mattress: With spiral spring interior with felt and foam padding. A spring inner core supports your baby and keeps its shape well.

Coir or Natural Fiber Crib Mattress: With a core of coir fibers, they tend to be more breathable and naturally hypoallergenic.

Hollow Frame (PurFlo) Crib Mattress: Manufactured only by the PurFlo brand, this mattress is said to be the only fully breathable and fully washable mattress.

Brands like Mother Nurture and CuddleCo are among our top picks for crib mattresses because of their quality construction, breathable material, and levels of comfort that just don’t hit the chart.

The best crib mattresses and crib mattresses

Snuzkot Surface Duo Crib Mattress View Deal This double-sided crib mattress is designed for your baby’s comfort and features pocket springs to help support their transition into toddlerhood. Simply flip over to the firmer side so they can grow with your mattress. As far as leaks, accidents and spills go, this mattress has a waterproof finish, which means it’s easier to wipe clean. Main features: • Two-sided • Breathable, waterproof 3D surface • Pocket spring core

Naturalmat Quilted Latex Mat Featured View Offer With a 4-star rating from our panel of mothers, this cot mattress is made from organic materials characterized by breathability and softness, and it’s a hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite option. You are in safe hands as there is a five year guarantee, you can rest assured that this crib mattress will stand the test of time and will last until your child outgrows it. Key Features: • Made to measure • Breathable fabric • Medium support Review: “Such a professional service and a quality product, I’m delighted. Arrived exactly as ordered in custom size.”

Obaby Natural Coir/Wool Featured View Offer Another great option for the eco-conscious parent, this mattress is made from coir and bonded with latex. It helps regulate your baby’s body temperature during sleep. The removable cover is made of organic bamboo, which is resistant to bacteria and odors. Backed by a five-year UK & Ireland guarantee, this mattress represents excellent value for money. Key Features: • Made from lambswool helps regulate baby’s body temperature • Removable cover • Firm Review: “Great product. No nasty fumes or chemicals as it’s all organic – just what I wanted for my 2 year old for his transition from cradle to bed.”

Naturalmat Coco Mat Duvet Bed Mattress Silver Award Winner 2020 View Offer Winner of the Silver Best Sleep Product M&B Award, the Naturalmat Duvet Mattress is handcrafted from natural materials and scored highly with our real mom testers. Organic coconut fiber makes the mattress breathable and self-aerating, making it ideal for asthmatics. Key features: • Made from cotton and other natural fibers • Chemical free, non-toxic and naturally fire retardant Mum Jasmine tested this mattress for the 2020 M&B Awards and said: ‘This is an excellent mattress. Before using these I would put a duvet over them for extra comfort and that wasn’t necessary with this mattress. My daughter has been sleeping well since using this mattress, she has had back and forth for quite a while thrown to make herself comfortable, but now she snuggles into it and falls asleep right away.”

CuddleCo Comfi-Love Signature Mattress View Offer Shortlisted for Best Sleep Product at the 2020 M&B Awards, the CuddleCo Comfi-Love Signature Mattress is double sided, made from bamboo and hypoallergenic. Not to mention the waterproof layer which is great for toilet training. Key features: • Pocket springs • Hypoallergenic • Waterproof Mum Phillipa tested this mattress for the M&B Awards 2020 and said: “I love that this mattress is double sided – which means I can use one side (bamboo fabric) while mine Child does little, then switch to the back (the easy-to-clean waterproof training layer) as my little one gets a little older. The waterproof layer is still comfortable and my little one is more than happy sleeping on it! It is also very easy to clean, that makes all the difference! The bamboo fabric on the other side is nice and soft and so comfortable.”

Clevamama Clevafoam Crib Support Mattress Featured View Quote Designed to support the development of your baby’s head and joints, the ClevaMama mattress is just what you need during those first few months. Not only is the cover removable, lightweight, and breathable, but the Airflow fabric wicks moisture and increases airflow. Key Features: • Made with ClevaFoam Technology • Machine Washable • Hypoallergenic Rating: “My son is now 6 months old but by the time he was about 5 months old he needed to be in his large crib so we got that for him. He had absolutely no problem with it. He seems very comfortable in bed and has continued to sleep through the night. As soon as we lay him down, he immediately calms down. I’m so glad we bought this for him.”

Silentnight Safe Nights Superior Pocket Bed Mattress View Offer This mattress from Silentnight (a brand we’ve all heard of!) was shortlisted in the Best Sleeping Product category at the Mu0026B Awards 2019. It features a natural lambswool support system that supports your baby’s head and body. The mesh cover is washable and allows air to flow freely, and the mattress features Purotex, a 100% natural treatment that fights moisture, mites and allergens for a more hygienic sleeping environment. Key features: • Waterproof panel and washable cover • Hypoallergenic • Double sided Mother Natalie tested this mattress for the 2019 M&B Awards and said: “My little boy used to sleep in a ‘next to me’ cot and seemed to love it as much as I am a little concerned that the mattress is not that comfortable for him. But since he moved into his crib with this mattress, he sleeps even better and falls asleep fabulously. I know I can put him in his crib and be confident that he will happily relax and tumble himself to sleep.”

Mother&Baby Pure Gold Anti-Allergy Cocoir Pocket Cot Mattress View Offer The Mother&Baby Gold Collection baby and toddler mattresses offer a cleaner, fresher and healthier sleeping environment. The anti-allergy coconut pocket spring mattress uses the perfect combination of nature’s finest TENCEL™ fibers and Purotex® anti-allergy protection to guarantee your baby a fresher, cleaner and healthier sleeping environment. Purotex® is a revolutionary technology based on microcapsules filled with natural probiotics. These probiotics are 100 percent natural and organic. Tests and scientific studies show that Purotex® improves allergy symptoms by reducing dust mite allergens by 93.7 percent, cat dander by 92.8 percent and dog dander by 66.7 percent. Key Features: • Dual sided – one side for babies and one for toddlers • Pocket spring • Eliminates allergens Mum Louise tried this mattress and said, “I was thrilled to try the Mother&Baby Gold Collection mattress. My favorite feature is without a doubt the probiotic 100% natural anti-allergy protection. We have a cat in our house so I love the idea that this mattress can remove cat allergens! Given common baby fears, I am very interested in making my little ones’ environment as natural and clean as possible.”

Mother Nature Classic Eco Fiber Crib Mattress View Offer Give your Bubba the best night’s sleep possible with Mother Nurture’s crib mattress. The blanket is breathable and helps regulate your baby’s temperature throughout the night and the padded blanket provides optimal comfort. The material is eco-friendly and recyclable, a fabulous alternative to foam. Key features: • Suitable from birth • Made from 100% eco-friendly polyester fiber that is 100% recyclable • Breathable and water-resistant • Removable cover for washing at 40 degrees • Free from harmful chemicals Review: “Love this mattress! Bought it for our travel cot as it didn’t seem very comfortable for our 8 month old. I’m glad I brought this product – it’s well made, sturdy, safe and even comes with a nice cover to keep the mattress extra clean. I would recommend this item as it will help our little one get a good nights sleep when using the travel cot.”

The Little Green Sheep Natural Twist Crib Mattress View Deal Industry experts believe this double-sided mattress is designed to adapt to your child’s development. One side is firm making it perfect for children up to 12 months. As your baby grows, simply turn them onto the soft, huggable side that will provide years of support. The material is breathable, comfortable and made from 100 percent unbleached and undyed natural cotton, making it perfect for babies with sensitive skin. Key Features: • Double sided • 100% cotton • Hypoallergenic and temperature regulating Rating: “Wow! This is amazing, wish it was for me and not the baby! His old mattress made him sweat – it was the most expensive ‘breathable’ one in the store. I’m so glad we took it back and got this one. Would highly recommend.”

Tutti Bambini Spring Mattress View Offer An affordable foam option that is super breathable, hypoallergenic and supports your baby’s natural posture. The cover is easy to clean in the event of an accident and the coil springs create the perfect sleeping position for your Bubba. Key Features: • Fully breathable Just-Tec fabric • Hypoallergenic • Open coil spring • Removable wash cover Review: “Excellent mattress for my granddaughter’s cot. Well made and easy to clean.”

Purflo Breathable Crib Mattress View offer With a hollow core and a fully breathable mesh that allows air to circulate freely, Purflo promises this mattress will support your baby or child more comfortably than a traditional mattress. Hypoallergenic with a special fiber padding, both the mattress and the cover can be washed for optimal hygiene. Key Features: Certified fully air permeable

Hypoallergenic: Amicor Pure fiber padding that reduces the accumulation of dust mites

Thermoneutral so it maintains room temperature so baby doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Mum Jen said: “I love this crib mattress! So simple in design but functionally great. Fully breathable so if the kid decides to roll over I know they are safe. Washable! Oh my days, a washable mattress, so very very handy for those little accidents! Easy to assemble the frame although I recommend 2 people as it would be difficult alone I think. A great idea and we highly recommend it.”

What should be considered when choosing a baby mattress?

security

According to the Lullaby Trust, it’s best to choose a firm and flat mattress. It must fit snugly in your baby’s bed and there should be no gaps where fingers or toes can get caught. Look out for British Standards with prefix BSI number BSEN716 on swing tickets and product specifications as this is the standard for cots, pushchairs and mattresses.

It is important not to place extra bedding such as duvets in the crib as these can increase the risk of SIDS. If it is cold, it is advisable to choose a baby sleeping bag instead of extra blankets or sheets. As your little one gets older, you can introduce a comforter.

Visit the Lullaby Trust website for more information on the best and safest way for your baby to sleep.

cleaning

You need a crib mattress protected by a waterproof cover. This keeps the mattress clean and dry as the cover can be wiped clean.

Can I use a used mattress? {#h-can-i-use-a-used-mattress}

In general, it is recommended that babies should sleep on a new mattress as some evidence suggests that bringing a mattress from another household might slightly increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), however this link has not been proven. {#h-can-i-use-a-used-mattress}

If you’re looking to use a used cot mattress – perhaps from a friend or family or from your older child, The Lullaby Trust says: “To ensure that the mattress you have chosen was previously fully protected by a waterproof cover without this being the case is rips or tears and is in good condition. The mattress should also be firm and flat for your baby to sleep safely.”

What mattress sizes are there?

Baby mattresses come in different sizes depending on the type of bed your baby sleeps in.

• Moses basket mattress: usually 28 cm x 75 cm, but it depends on the brand of Moses basket

• Travel cot mattress: 65 cm x 95 cm

• Mattress for small cot: 54 cm x 90 cm

• Children’s mattress: 60 cm x 120 cm

• Mattress for cot: 70 cm x 140 cm

How thick should a baby mattress be?

The mattress of your baby bed should be at least 10 cm thick. This will ensure her body doesn’t sag and touch the base underneath.

How much does a baby mattress cost?

Prices when buying a cot mattress really vary, ranging from £20 to over £200. Foam mattresses tend to be on the cheaper end but may not last as long, while you can expect a higher price tag for a coil spring mattress.

How long does a baby mattress last?

Cots are beds that have been specially created for small children. A crib has protective sides that prevent the baby from falling out of the bed. The great thing about a crib is that as your baby gets older, you can detach the sides and turn it into a regular toddler bed.

According to experts, remove the sides from your crib when your child is ready for the transition to a toddler bed. This usually happens between 18 months and 3 years.

Related topics:

How do you know it’s time to take the sides off your crib?

Some of the reasons you should remove the sides of a crib include:

Your child protests in bed

Your child is constantly trying to climb out of bed

Would you like to give your child more freedom?

You want your child to learn to be aware of where they sleep and not fall out of bed

Your child protests in bed

Experts say the time it takes to detach the sides of a crib varies from child to child. One of the ways you can tell when it’s time to turn your child’s crib into a crib is to pay attention to your child’s reactions when you put them in the crib. There might come a time when your child will start exhibiting behavior that seems like a protest, even after you’ve made sure the crib is comfortable.

While your child’s protest is a sign of the crib-to-crib transition, don’t wait for it if you feel like your child has outgrown the crib.

Your child is constantly trying to climb out of bed

Shortly after children learn to hold on to the sides of the crib, they begin to climb. To reduce the risk of falls, you can first lower the mattress height and move the cot so that the higher side comes forward. While these steps will protect your child at first, at some point they will climb over the sides too quickly. You can take this as a sign that your child is ready for a bed with more freedom of movement.

Based on this information, you might be wondering, do you even need a crib?

Would you like to give your child more freedom?

If you’ve been trying to teach your child good sleep habits and you see that they’ve started learning and learning, removing the sides of the crib is a great way to reward them and reinforce good behavior.

Child psychologists consider positive reinforcement to be a great tool for dealing with children’s behavior. As a parent, you can use the transition from crib to toddler bed to establish good sleep patterns. This can be done by telling them that their new bed is a treat.

You want your child to be aware of where they sleep

Another important reason you should remove the sides of a crib is to teach your child to sleep consciously. Baby cots are protected from all sides and there is no risk of falling out no matter how much a child rolls or moves during sleep. Because of this, your child may not be aware of the risk of falling.

After removing the protection, over time your child will become aware of the risk of falling and will therefore be more responsible in their movements.

A beautiful wooden children’s bed with removable sides. Image by Mothercare

Should you only take one side of your crib?

You can only remove one side of the crib to make the transition from crib to toddler bed smooth. Most infants develop a habit of standing in their crib by holding onto its sides as they grow up and learn to stand and balance.

Your child may still tend to stand on the bed even after you convert it to a toddler bed. For this reason, we recommend that you start by removing one side of the crib, even if you plan on removing both sides later. This gives your child time to become familiar with bed safety rules. If your child is standing on the bed during this time, there is something to hold onto in case your child loses their balance.

While it’s okay to remove both sides of the crib after your child has successfully learned the bed safety rules, it’s not necessary. For the transition from a cot to a toddler bed, it is usually sufficient to remove only one side of the bed.

How do you remove the sides of your crib?

Follow these steps to remove the sides of a baby crib:

Unscrew the removable side (or sides).

Remove the page

Lower the mattress height

Insert toddler splints

Unlike traditional cribs, cribs have a feature that allows you to remove the sides of the bed. One side of the cot is usually higher than the other side for aesthetic and practical reasons. Some cribs only have one removable side, others allow you to remove both sides. You might also like this article about assembling a crib.

Unscrew the removable side (or sides).

The first thing you need to do to remove the sides from the crib is to carefully unscrew the sides. You may need to use a drill or screwdriver. Some cots have special locks and you can remove the sides by simply releasing these locks.

Remove the page

After unscrewing or unlocking the side, the next step is to remove it. The first thing to remember is to keep your feet a safe distance from the crib when unscrewing the sides to avoid the risk of injury if the side suddenly detaches. In most cases this does not happen. You often have to wiggle a little to remove the sides after they’ve been unscrewed.

Lower the mattress height

Cots with removable sides also come with an adjustable mattress topper. This is to ensure that they are suitable for conversion into a cot. So after removing the sides, the next step is to lower the mattress level so that it is closer to the floor than before.

Insert toddler splints

Some cribs come with extra bars that are smaller than the sides of the crib and are designed to protect the child without making them feel trapped. If you remove the sides of the crib and lower the mattress level, you can fit the toddler bed rails to give your child some extra protection during the transition from crib to toddler bed.

You don’t have to worry if your crib doesn’t come with toddler bed rails because in this article we will discuss some tips you can use to make your child’s transition safer after removing the sides of a crib .

A pine cot with a side that can be folded down. Picture of Kids Stuff

A cot with side rails for small children. Image by Shpock

How do you train your child for a safe transition when you detach the sides of your crib?

To teach your child to use a crib without sides, follow these tips:

First remove only one side

Lower the mattress height

Make the area fall-friendly

Make the room toddler friendly

Install toddler rails

By removing just one side at first, you can ensure that the child is not overwhelmed by the change and still has some familiarity with the bed, as well as something to hold on to if your child loses their balance.

Lower the mattress height

Cots are equipped with an adjustable mattress height. If you’re removing the sides of a crib, make sure you lower the mattress level next. This step is important because when you remove the sides of the crib, the distance from the mattress to the floor becomes an important factor in your child’s safety.

Make the area fall-friendly

If your crib’s mattress height is not adjustable or is still too high after adjustment, you can try to get a little more creative. You can make the area around the bed fall-friendly by placing floor pillows around it. This ensures that the child will not be injured even if they fall, as the cushions act as shock absorbers.

Toddler friendly environment

One of the worries parents have is that their child will run out of bed when they themselves are sleeping or distracted. That’s sensible, and one way to keep your child safe is to make the space toddler-friendly. Make sure there are no sharp objects lying around.

Another important thing is to install a child gate on your stairs and keep your doors closed. If you can afford it, you can also use motion detectors as escape detectors for children.

Install toddler rails

If your crib comes with toddler rails, you can easily attach the rails after detaching the sides to ease the transition from crib to toddler bed. If your crib doesn’t have rails and you think rails are a good idea, you can also order the rails separately and assemble them yourself.

All parents want the best for their baby. But is it really necessary to spend more than $1000 on a crib?

Often a lot is thought about the crib, but little about the mattress that the baby will sleep on. I think the mattress is more important than the crib.

The mattress your baby sleeps on should be the same as an adult’s mattress, only smaller. The mattress should be made of high-quality materials, have very good springs and provide good support. It should be manufactured in the country you live in to protect it from harmful chemicals that might occur during export and import.

Just because a crib comes with a mattress doesn’t mean the mattress is right for your baby. A lot of big baby stores make their own mattresses and put them in the cribs so it seems like you have to use that mattress. This is not the case, so please do not fall into this trap. I’ve done the hard work for you when it comes to buying the best quality mattress for your baby by designing my own. Here is a link to my range of baby and children’s mattresses.

When it comes to cribs and mattresses, if you’re not sure what to spend your money on, I recommend getting a cheaper crib and a better quality mattress. The color of your crib doesn’t matter to your baby, but the quality of the mattress does. Invest your money in the mattress, not the crib.

Test to make sure the mattress is firm and comfortable, not lumpy or too soft. If you can feel the springs, your baby will too and won’t sleep well. To test if the mattress is firm enough for your baby or toddler to sleep on, do the Safe Hand Test. Press your hand on the mattress and if you raise your hand if your handprint is there, the surface is not a safe sleeping surface for a baby or toddler.

Keep this in mind when setting up bedding for your baby on a budget, at the grandparents’ house, at the family daycare, or even if you have another baby the same age. The IKEA cot can be used with my mattresses, saving you a bit of money and giving your baby or toddler the safest place to sleep.

It is very important that air can circulate freely around your baby while he is sleeping.

There are all types of baby cribs these days, but I prefer fully barred mini cribs, which are the newest addition to the baby market. I believe mini cribs are safer than baskets/bassies because they offer better airflow. Most bassinets/bassies don’t provide enough airflow around your baby. Mini cribs can be used longer because they are larger and most have the opportunity to get a quality mattress. Oftentimes, bassinets/bassies come with a thin foam mattress that a baby may find uncomfortable sleeping on. Although too small for a full-time bed, mini-beds can be used for older babies and toddlers when they are sick and you want them to sleep next to your bed so you can rest while you care for them. If you are using the mini bed for an older sick baby or toddler, please remember to set the base to the lowest setting to prevent your child from falling out.

If you plan to have more children in a short time, your first baby could still be using their crib when the second baby arrives. So if you have a mini crib in addition to a crib, you may not need to buy a second crib or get your toddler out of their crib before they are ready. In this case, buying a mini crib for baby number one is a more economical option.

If you’re on a big budget, I recommend starting your baby in a mini crib and then moving them to a full-sized crib by eight months. But even if you are on a tight budget, there is no reason not to put your baby in the cot right away. If your baby is changed as I recommend, he will be very happy to sleep in a large crib and if you choose not to change, the crib is also a better option as he will not wake himself up by touching the sides , as would otherwise be the case in the mini bed. Please note that I recommend swaddling your baby from birth until they show signs of rolling around during swaddling. For more information on why I recommend swaddling, see my book Save Our Sleep.

When shopping for a crib, there are a few things to look at carefully. Pay very close attention to the height between the top of the mattress and the top of the railing. Your baby will be a toddler before you know it and you may regret your decision when he starts climbing out! Cribs are adjustable so you’ll need to ask the store to set them on the lowest setting and compare a few – there can be a big difference between brands. I also only recommend cribs that are slatted all around to maintain maximum airflow. I do not recommend cribs with fixed ends because new research shows that restricted airflow could be a factor in the number of SIDS and SUDI deaths. If you have a crib with a fixed end, placing the slatted side against the nursery wall will restrict airflow even more.

There are more fixed cots on the market that are safer. Therefore, if possible, try to buy a fixed crib instead of a folding bed. If one side of the crib falls, make sure it falls with a two-handed fall mechanism. This way only an adult can detach the page to drop it. Don’t buy a crib that requires you to push against the side to make the side fall down, as over time this can create a gap between the side of the crib and the mattress where your baby can become trapped.

There are several articles where I do not recommend your baby to sleep. Cots and some mini-cots must meet strict safety regulations before they can be sold in Australia. However, there are no such guidelines for bassinets/bassinets, so there is an increased risk of a sleep accident if your baby sleeps in a bed that does not meet strict safety guidelines.

Likewise, I do not recommend hammocks or SNOOs as beds. Like baskets/bassies, hammocks and SNOOs don’t have to meet strict safety guidelines before they can be sold to parents and don’t provide enough airflow around your baby. Hammocks can easily be knocked over or shifted while your baby is in them, which is not safe. In my experience it is also very difficult to get a baby sleeping in a hammock into a crib. Research shows that babies who follow the Save Our Sleep routines do not sleep well in a SNOOs.

Rocking beds are beautiful to look at, but there is a temptation to rock them, and rocking can quickly become a sleep aid. They are also dangerous when rocked without your supervision as your baby could slide down the side of the cradle and become trapped.

cots

Think twice before you are persuaded to buy a crib that converts into a toddler bed. Not that there’s anything wrong with them, but don’t let that be the reason for your choice. There are several reasons why I would not recommend taking the side of your toddler’s crib and these are:

If your baby is a toddler, you may have another baby or baby on the way so you may want your older child to transition into a regular bed, freeing up the crib for the baby.

A toddler needs to be gradually introduced to sleeping in a regular bed. Suddenly detaching the sides of a crib can make a toddler feel unsafe. It can happen that your toddler sleeps in the crib for a few nights, but then starts crying or barking out. Or you may find that your toddler lay happily in the crib for 6 weeks and then decides to push the limits and get out.

Or you might just want to follow my advice on the crib to bed transition, which is impossible to follow once you’ve got the crib sides off.

To ease your child’s transition to a new large bed, set it up in your toddler’s room and to make them feel safe, sit on it and read stories at different times throughout the day. Once she is comfortable with the new bed as a place to sit and hang out, suggest that she sleeps in it during the day. Point out that she is a big girl now and that means she should sleep in a big bed like mom, dad, siblings or any friends she might have.

If he’s not ready the first day, try gently persuading him, but if that meets strong resistance, let him go back to the crib and try again the next day or so. Now imagine trying to do this with a crib – you would pull the sides on and off.

Make the big bed a place for fun—not a place for punishment or scary stories. Once he has slept well in the new bed during the day, allow him to sleep in it at night as well.

I suggest that the cot stay in your child’s room and be available for at least 8 weeks after they start sleeping in the bed at night. The reason I say this is, in my experience, most children are happy in their new big bed for 6 weeks and then decide to test the limits. To overcome this hurdle, you need the existing cot. In turn, using a crib means putting the sides back on.

If she decides to sleep in the big bed both day and night, you have to explain to her that she can try to sleep in the big bed, but she only has one chance. Tell her when she gets up you will put her in the cot. Tell her that if she gets out of bed at any time of the day or night, you’ll see this as if she’s asking you to put her in the crib. Then when she gets out of bed, you have to go through with it and put her to bed. Tell her it’s her choice if she wants to be a big girl or a baby.

You can see from all of this that a crib just won’t work well with my approach.

When buying a crib, there are also recommendations for choosing the mattress that will fit in it.

A safe mattress is one that:

The right size for the cot

FIRM passes the safe hand test

New, clean and in good condition

The mattress must not have more than 25mm (1 inch) of space between the mattress and the sides and end of the bed. A baby or toddler can easily get snagged if there are large gaps between an ill-fitting mattress and the sides of the bed. This is especially dangerous if your face or neck is already restricted. Remove all plastic packaging from the mattress and always ensure the 100% cotton mattress protector is strong and well fitted.

A soft mattress can increase the risk of cot death when a baby turns onto their stomach. Never place soft bedding, including sheepskin or lambskin, under the bottom sheet as this will make the sleeping surface too soft. One test you should do to determine if the mattress is firm enough is to press your hand onto the mattress. If you can see your handprint when removing your hand, the mattress is too soft. If you can’t see your handprint, the mattress is probably firm enough and safe for your baby.

I believe that a bark-filled mattress, pillow, adult pillow-top mattress, waterbed, pillow, bean bag chair or sofa is not firm enough for a baby or toddler to sleep on and the risk of sudden unexpected Infant deaths increase because they fail safer hand test after four months of use. Here you place your hand on the mattress and press down firmly. Once you remove your hand as the mattress returns to its original shape it is firm and secure. If not, it is not a safe sleeping surface for a baby or toddler.

Appropriate reading material

Click on the link to view related items in the Save Our Sleep Store.

Kind regards,

Tizzie Hall

director

Suitable age of the cot

COT BED is a cot that converts into a toddler bed once baby grows out of the cot. Suitable from birth up to four years.

Cot suitable from birth up to the age of two. It cannot be converted into a cot. They are compact for smaller children’s rooms and limited space. It is designed for toddlers’ first few months and is not suitable for toddlers.

COT BED is a cot that converts into a toddler bed once baby grows out of the cot. Suitable from birth up to four years. In crib mode, it is still only suitable from birth to two years of age. If converted into a cot, it has an additional two years of useful life. First-time parents need to be aware of this to avoid injury!

At some point, your baby will inevitably try to climb over the crib. In this case, stop using the crib immediately and turn it into a day bed. Remember to secure your home for young children at the same time.

Usually around 18-30 months, baby is showing signs that it’s time to convert the crib into a bed: if baby can stand and reach over the top rail, they may be able to climb out of the crib.

Some babies are born climbers! Some as young as 8 and 9 months have been known to climb out of their beds. Set the base to its lowest setting and take note of when it’s time to upgrade to a bed.

Just when you thought your kids had stopped growing, they go off and have another flare-up. A definite sign is when her pants wave goodbye to her shoes and drop to her knees (although I’m told that’s hip with socks and mules… and we thought ’80s fashion was bad!) and her cuffs also a little torment wide in your arms!

Another powerful realization that your kids are growing up is when they look you straight in the eye without you having to unsafely climb a hop-up, I’m talking about when they just stand in front of you and stare at you head-on. I’m undecided on how this makes me feel, a little unnerved… maybe resigning myself to the fact that I’ll soon be the smallest member of my family. I’ve come to the conclusion that my new footwear will consist of stilettos and giant wedges, which is far more practical than carrying a step stool 24/7.

According to the Child Growth Foundation, the average child grows 89 cm between the ages of 1-18! The fastest growth is observed between the ages of 1-6 years, at which point they reach an average of 41 cm. Can you imagine how much more they would grow if planted in growbags! Maybe I’ve been spending too much time with my tomatoes!

Luckily, nursery furniture is far more forgiving than their clothes and doesn’t need to be updated as often. However, we still want to make sensible choices when it comes to our child’s furniture needs. So it’s hardly surprising that parents often ask me what the right bed size is for my child. Great question, and this week I’ll be helping to answer it, with different bed sizes available, so ta-da, here’s the rundown of what bed size might be best for your child.

Navigating the minefield of whether to buy a crib or a crib can be a bit confusing, especially since both have pros and cons. I’ve highlighted the most important things to consider before buying a crib or crib (because I like to make your life a little easier!).

draft

The overall design of cribs and cribs can be very similar, however cribs often offer a few more features and benefits. Here are a few key design features to look out for;

Adjustable height settings

For all new parents, this is a great feature that your back will be forever grateful for! The main benefit of being able to adjust the height of the bed frame is accessibility.

If your baby is small, the top setting is ideal for being able to lift your baby up and put him back in his bed, as shown here with the Vox Lounge baby bed in light gray and oak.

As your baby grows you can start dropping the slatted frame for safety reasons until finally, once he can pull himself up, it’s set to its lowest setting, as shown here with the SnuzKot Luxe Baby Crib in Grey.

Most cribs and cribs have this useful feature. Each product detail page states the number of height settings, most commonly there are 3 base heights.

Detachable bars

Detachable wands give your child a little more independence when they start playing. Striking a happy middle ground between the total confinement of a crib and the total freedom of a toddler bed, by removing a few bars they can get in and out of their crib on their own.

This is a more common feature on cots, as seen here with the Vox Maxim cot in white, but Leander recently launched their Luna cot, which converts into a cozy sofa by removing the side bars, perfect when you have your baby has outgrown their crib.

aesthetics

Your decision between a crib or a crib can be guided by the overall look and design of the bed. With literally hundreds of options, you may find it easier to narrow down your choices based on color preferences, whether you like the look of a sleigh style crib or a more traditional crib, or if there is matching nursery furniture to complete the look.

Personally I’m a huge fan of Vox Nursery Furniture for their range of children’s beds and baby cribs, not only do they incorporate great design features, they also offer very affordable nursery furniture sets without compromising on style.

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If you’re looking to buy a crib for your child, there are a few rules and regulations you need to follow before you buy one, including some hidden dangers that you’re most aware of.

Baby crib safety is always a top concern for parents, especially with concerns about dangers like SIDS (opens in new tab). We will spend hours scouring websites for the five star children’s products and overflowing with reviews and recommendations before parting with our money, knowing that we are making the best choices possible for our child. Unfortunately, companies can sometimes be wrong.

When it comes to buying a crib (opens in new tab) for your child, it really is best to make sure it’s as safe and practical as possible. It’s all about keeping your baby safe and comfortable so they have the best sleep possible.

Here are three important crib checks you really need to do before you buy to ensure you have the best crib safety possible.

Safety checks for cots

1. Width between bars

The distance between the bars should not be more than 6.5 cm so that your baby does not get caught. This is especially important if you are buying a used crib that may not meet the latest safety standards.

2. Height adjustable base

Photo credit: Getty

This allows you to change the size of your baby as he grows and hold him securely from a tiny baby to when he can pull himself up to stand. The distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the bed sides should be at least 50 cm to prevent your baby from climbing out when he becomes more mobile. You need to make sure your baby’s arms or legs can’t get caught in the side of the cot or between the bars.

Psst! We’ve rounded up some of the best cribs currently on sale including the most popular cribs from Mothercare and John Lewis.

3. Drop Pages

It’s worth considering whether you want fixed or foldable sides. US crib safety regulations were changed in June 2011, banning folding sides after a number of babies were killed after being trapped underneath. British children’s furniture experts say the differences in British children’s bed design means US-like incidents can’t happen with a British-made bed – but if you’re still worried, fixed-side children’s beds are already at hand instead Disposal.

4. Circulation

Some experts recommend four-sided cribs that have rails to allow air to circulate freely around your baby when they sleep.

5. British Safety Standards Code

Photo credit: Getty

When buying a cot, look out for the British Safety Standards code: BSEN716, which should appear on all cots, and the BSI number: BS 1877-10:1997 for your cot mattress.

Not only should you look at your crib when thinking about crib safety, but you should also make sure the mattress meets UK standards. The firmer the mattress, the better. Duvets, toys, etc. are also not necessary in the cot for the beginning. Keep it simple and safe. Our guide to baby cot safety explains more.

Concerns about cots have come to light after a certain item was recalled from sale when it almost caused the deaths of two young children. The Nutkin Treehouse cot was withdrawn from sale in 2013 after two children were seriously injured. Treehouse’s Nutkin crib was pulled from stores after the bed brought two young children “very close to serious injury or death.”

The concerns were about the potential “trapping hazards”, i. H. Places where children could trap their heads and necks in the gaps above and their fingers in the drilled holes. It was also concluded that children’s clothing could get caught on the sides of the bed and potentially trap them as well.

READ MORE: The best baby sleep aids to help babies sleep through the night (opens in new tab)

Although the original design has been recalled, a new, modified version is still available for around £500.

Recently the treehouse boss, who faces a £20,000 fine or possibly even jail time, admitted there may still be some potentially dangerous cots in use. Speaking to consumer protection agency Which?, he said that while 93 percent of cribs have been recalled, a small number may still be in use.

If you still have one of the recalled Treehouse Nutkin cribs, please contact us and they will organize a collection for you.

Alternatively, you can also opt for another type of safe baby sleeping bed. For example, Moses baskets that comply with safety guidelines (opens in new tab) are certainly a good option.

Which baby mattress is the safest?

While there are many different types of crib mattresses, The Lullaby Trust suggests that babies sleep alone in the same room as their parents or caregivers for at least the first six months of life. Mattresses must be clean and dry and free of rips and tears in the fabric.

It was also advised…

Baby mattresses should be firm, not sagging at the edges and fit into the crib without any gaps.

Since mattresses come in two sizes, standard and continental, they should be comparatively appropriate to the size of the crib you have at home.

Cot mattresses need to be kept as clean as possible, so it’s best if you have a wipeable cover or removable top that you can wash at a high temperature.

While soft mattresses may sound like a pillow for your baby, they need to be firm rather than soft. Therefore, it should not be thinner than 8 cm.

All baby mattresses should bear the BSI number BS 1877-10:1997.

Do your research – test all the different types like foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses, and coco bed mattresses. Test as many as you can before choosing the one that works for you.

Are old cribs safe?

Photo credit: Getty

Older and used cribs are a great option if you’re looking to cut costs, as they often come from family or thrift stores. They are largely secure, but must comply with current security standards. So if you’re buying an old or used crib that has been used for a few years, there are a few things to consider…

If it’s an old painted crib, it may need to be disassembled and repainted. Older cribs may have been painted with paint containing lead, which is toxic and dangerous for young babies.

Does it have a drop side mechanism? Best miss it as the mechanism could be unsafe.

Any decorative stickers or items on the inside of the cot must be removed immediately as they may pose a choking hazard, especially for newborns.

Of course, watch out for jagged ends or breaks that could create a sharp edge as these could injure your baby.

Make sure the crib bars are vertical and not horizontal as babies could climb on them and escape from their crib.

Murphy beds: are they safe and legal?

Murphy beds became illegal in the US in 2011 due to a series of incidents that tragically resulted in the deaths of infants in some cases. This was largely due to malfunctioning cheap plastic safety mechanisms that later broke, creating a dangerous V-shaped gap between the mattress and the hull grille. However, detailed and rigorous testing is carried out on folding beds in the UK to ensure their safety for young babies.

In 2011 and 2013 the UK and European safety standard for cots EN716 was revised and additional safety requirements were added to ensure cots remain safe. For example, the mechanism on the cot must now automatically lock in both the up and down positions, requiring two more actions to unlock the rail and lower or raise.

Whilst EN716 folding beds may be banned in the UK, they are actually safe and legal in the UK and due to the years of testing and increased demands parents continue to buy them every day.

Sleep safe

For the first 6 months of your baby’s life, it is safest for them to sleep in a cot in the same room as the person caring for them, for all sleep stages. Unfortunately, every year a small number of babies die suddenly and unexpectedly in their sleep. Sometimes a cause is found, e.g. B. an underlying health condition, but often there is no obvious cause. You may hear the term Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which used to be called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) most commonly occurs during sleep at any time of the day or night. Doctors don’t yet know what causes it, but it’s most likely to happen in the first 6 months. Premature and underweight babies as well as twins or multiple births are more at risk. What increases the risk of SIDS? You are at an increased risk of SIDS if you: Sleep with your baby in an armchair or on the sofa

share a bed with your baby and you or your partner smoke

share a bed with your baby and you or your partner have been drinking or using drugs

smoke or have smoked when you are pregnant or have lived with someone who has had a sudden infant death syndrome is at increased risk if your baby is: placed on her stomach or on her side

gets too warm

sleeps on a soft mattress

sleeps in another room during the day or night where she cannot be seen

sleeps sitting up or not quite flat, such as B. in a car seat, as the head can roll forward and interfere with breathing

was born less than 37 weeks ago and/or was born weighing less than 2.5 kg. Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of SIDS. Help your baby sleep safely

Since the Back to Sleep campaign began in 1991, the SIDS rate has fallen by 80%. For the first 6 months, the safest place to sleep for your baby is in a cot, cot or basket in your room next to your bed and in the same room as you for all stages of sleep. They’re also around when they need to be fed or cuddled. You can help your baby sleep well and safely by always letting them sleep on their back on a firm flat mattress and putting them back on their backs when they roll over

cover them with blankets over their chests and under their arms

Always place them feet first on the bottom of the crib to prevent them from squirming down and getting caught under the covers

Do not remove bumpers, pillows or stuffed animals from the crib as they can overheat your baby or affect your baby’s breathing if they are too close to his face

Make sure they don’t get too hot or too cold – check their temperature by feeling their tummy or neck and don’t go by their hands and feet as they are often cold

Keep your head uncovered when they sleep and remove any diapers or sleeping bags when they are in bed with you

Remove your baby from their car seat when they are not traveling and from a bouncy seat, swing or nest when they are sleeping as their head can roll forward if they are not sleeping flat which can affect their breathing

Make your home smoke-free and keep your baby away from cigarette smoke. If your baby uses a pacifier, use it for every sleep. If you are breastfeeding, wait at least 4 weeks before giving your baby a pacifier. Make sure any other family members or friends who may be caring for your baby know how to safely put your baby to sleep.

Don’t sleep on a sofa or chair Never put yourself in a position where you can fall asleep with your baby in an armchair or on the sofa, as this increases the risk of SIDS by 50% (Source: Baby Sleep Info Source and the Lullaby Trust).

Sharing a bed with your baby Adult beds are not designed for babies. Before you share the bed, consider whether you think it will be a safe place for your baby to sleep. Check: Your baby cannot fall out of bed

Your baby cannot be trapped between the mattress and the wall

Your adult bedding can be kept away from your baby

other children and pets will not be in bed at the same time as your baby. Moms sometimes share the bed when breastfeeding, but without some planning, thinking it can be very dangerous. If you breastfeed lying down, make sure that your baby cannot roll onto his stomach. Try holding your baby on your back, or put him on his back once he’s fed. If you’re thinking about bed-sharing, talk to your midwife, healthcare advisor, or family caregiver about how you can reduce the risks to your baby. Baby Sleep Info Source has more information about bed sharing If your baby should always sleep apart It is never safe to share a bed with your baby when: You or your partner have been drinking or using drugs (legally or illegally)

You smoked during pregnancy

You or your partner smoke

Your baby is small or was born prematurely

You or your partner are overly tired – less than 4 hours of sleep in the last 24 hours Your baby should sleep separately in their crib in these situations. How much sleep is normal? There is no normal amount of sleep and some babies sleep more than others. Newborns sleep a lot – sometimes up to 18 hours a day for the first month or so. But your baby probably won’t sleep for more than a few hours at a time initially.

Unusually sleepy baby If your baby seems unusually sleepy, they may be unwell. Always trust your instincts and seek medical advice if you are concerned.

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That pesky gap between the mattress and the headboard can be irritating, especially when you have to pry out your pillow in the middle of the night. It can also be dangerous for small children to pinch their necks or pinch their arms. Fortunately, there are several solutions to bridge this gap.

You can often bridge the gap by buying a new mattress or headboard, or by making small adjustments to the position of the mattress, box spring, or headboard. If the gap is because the mattress moves during the night, you can find ways to keep the mattress in place. You can also block, pad, or simply eliminate the gap by tossing the headboard.

Buy a new mattress

Mattresses come in standard sizes. Sometimes the gap is because the bed frame is the wrong size for the mattress, e.g. B. A queen-size mattress and a full-size bed frame. If this is the case, the best way to fill the gap is to buy a mattress that is the same standard size as the bed frame.

Buy a new headboard and bed frame

If your mattress is relatively new and you want to keep it, you can also fix the problem by purchasing a new headboard and bed frame that is the right size for the mattress.

make adjustments

A simple adjustment often fixes the problem.

Check to see if there is anything blocking the mattress and remove it if it is. If that doesn’t help, completely remove and reposition the mattress. Sometimes you also have to adjust the box spring beds. Stand at the foot of the bed and slide the box springs until they touch the headboard. If none of the first three steps work, the bed frame may need to be adjusted. Make the frame wider than the headboard by unhooking and widening it in the middle. Then press the frame back against the headboard. Add the box spring and mattress and press them against the headboard as well.

Prevent movement of the mattress

If a moving mattress is the problem, there are a number of ways you can prevent this movement. The first option is to put rubber between your mattress and the box spring or bed frame. You could use a yoga mat, a clean rubber welcome mat, or non-slip rubber rug pads. You can also buy self-adhesive rubber strips.

You can also use Velcro straps. The number you need depends on your bed size; a twin bed, for example, takes up less space than a queen-size bed. Try placing one on each corner and two in the middle. If that doesn’t work, try adding a few more.

You can also buy a non-slip mattress pad and place it between the mattress and the frame or box spring beds.

Finally, mattress slippage is sometimes caused by dirt getting between your mattress and the frame or box springs. If that’s the problem, good vacuuming will fix it.

block the gap

If you don’t want to buy a new mattress or headboard and adjusting doesn’t work, you can try to bridge the gap. You can block the gap in a number of ways.

boards

Screw a board or two against the headboard at the height of the top of the mattress. Alternatively, you can slide the mattress all the way to the headboard and place the boards in the gap between the mattress and the footboard instead.

Gap filler

You can also use gap fillers. They take slightly different forms and are sold under slightly different names. Wedges can be made of foam or other materials, and many also have a small storage space to hold glasses or a remote control. Mattress extensions or extension blocks are often made of foam and can be placed either between the headboard and mattress/box spring or footboard and mattress/box spring. Gap Space Eliminators are available in two inch, four inch, or six inch sizes.

You can also make your own gap filler. If a 2×4 fits between the footboard and box spring, you can create a rectangular structure that spans the entire distance. The structure is in two halves with a cut out piece of a 2×4 separating the halves. The steps are:

Measure the bed and cut the pieces accordingly. For example, a 58 inch wide bed with an 18 inch clearance from the footboard to the bottom of the box spring would require a structure that is approximately 57 inches wide and 18 inches deep. You cut the wood so that the two halves of your structure are the correct width. For example, if you are making a structure that is 57 inches wide and 18 inches deep, you would cut four pieces of wood that are 26 1/2 inches long. (The two halves equal 53 inches, and the 4 inches of the 2×4 makes a length of 57 inches.) You’ll also cut three pieces of wood that are 18 inches long (2 for the sides and one to split the structure in half) . Build the left half, connect two of the 26 1/2 inch boards to two of the 18 inch boards with wood screws so you have a 26 1/2 x 18 rectangle. Then build the right half. The right half is not connected to the left half with screws because the opposite side is not accessible. So you can either use a pocket hole gauge or a steel square on each joint to secure the two sides. Then attach the remaining two longer pieces to the remaining short piece with wood screws. Then place the structure between the mattress and the footboard.

Fill in the blank

If you want a decorative touch, you can add a pillow pad. A pillowtop is a padded section that is attached under the headboard and built into the headboard. This works well for keeping pillows in place when the gap is small. It doesn’t do well in cots or hospital beds, as it only covers and obstructs the gap rather than actually filling it.

You can develop your own gap padding by rolling up a quilt and tucking it between the footboard and mattress or headboard and mattress.

Throw the headboard

Most of the time, a headboard is not really necessary. If you don’t think you’re going to miss the headboard, throw it away. Instead, you could put a mural or tapestry behind the bed. Or move the bed away from the wall and out into the room and put a screen behind it. Shelves and old shutters or doors are also a great alternative to a headboard.

Make your own headboard

You can also make your own headboard from things you may already have around the house or that you can buy cheaply. Some of these materials are jute, cedar shingles, plywood, twine, or pegboard.

We’ve all had our heads slipped into that cheeky little gap between the mattress and the bed frame. Or our pillow. Or worse, our phones.

Why is this happening?

It’s a matter of size. If the mattress is smaller than the frame, there will be a gap between them.

I know what you’re thinking: “Why don’t companies just resize the mattresses to fit the frames?”.

Mattresses in the United States come in standard sizes, but companies that make frames don’t bother and just make whatever floats their boat. It makes sense since they are still selling their products. If people stopped buying frames citing the gap as the reason, they would fix them.

In this article, I will give you different solutions to this problem. The best solution depends on your current situation. For example, if you’re fixing a young child’s bed, you should look for a more permanent solution than just frustrating your pillows falling in the gap.

Why you should fill the gap

Aside from the obvious inconveniences caused by the gap, such as Like dropping your pillow or phone, there are more practical reasons to close them too.

The gap between the frame and the mattress is a silent killer. You read that right. Children die every year because their neck is stuck in the gap. Therefore, if you have a small child, you should ensure that the gap disappears immediately.

It also happens in hospitals, where patients, debilitated by their illnesses, get trapped in the gap between the bed frame and the mattress.

Even if you are a sane person, how would you react if you woke up with your head in that gap? I know people who suffer from panic attacks who have had similarly terrifying experiences. It’s just not worth it, especially since the solution is so simple.

Of course it’s an extreme case, and you know your situation better than I ever could. I’m just giving you a new perspective on the matter. Maybe you never thought about it.

5 ways to bridge the gap between a mattress and a bed frame

There are two main ways to address the issue:

In the interim

Continuous

Makeshifts are okay if the gap doesn’t pose a serious health risk to you and your roommates. They might also be the only ones to keep you busy if the bed isn’t yours.

Something like placing pillows to block the gap or turning the bed can be seen as a temporary fix. They don’t mess up the headboard or the bed, but they still solve the problem, albeit in a less convenient way.

They’re great when the spacing between bed components is just a minor inconvenience, for example when there’s not enough room for your head to fall in the gap but your pillows still fall in. Or maybe your phone falls in (although I wouldn’t recommend sleeping with your phone on your bed, but that’s another story).

Permanent solutions require a little more work on your part, but they look better and you can rest easy once you’ve adopted them. They are great because they fix the problem for good.

However, you should still consider upgrading to a permanent solution. You never know what will happen in the future.

1. Change the mattress

This leads straight to the root cause of the problem: the size difference between the mattress and the bed frame. For example, your bed frame might be queen-size, but your mattress is only full-size. Or your bed frame is sized Twin-XL while your mattress is sized Twin.

Whatever the case, the size difference creates gaps between the components. The simplest solution is to simply swap out the mattress for one that’s the perfect size for your bed frame.

As far as mattress choice goes, there is a wonderful guide created by the University of Utah Department of Health, but here the main factor to consider is comfort.

Most people will be fine with a regular memory foam mattress. Also, you need to choose a mattress that supports your back without being too hard. It depends on the perfect position for your spine, which is determined by your fitness level, weight, and general preferences.

2. Strategically place pillows to block the gap

It’s not a permanent solution, but it’s good enough to keep your pillows from falling into the abyss. Place extra pillows to block the gap.

It’s ok if the pillows aren’t great, you won’t sleep on them, you’re just using them to fill the gap. Alternatively, if you absolutely don’t care about the looks, you can use pillows directly to fill the gap, but at this point I would suggest a more elegant solution like a wooden board or expanding foam, as pillows would get dirty and require constant washing.

⚠Warning: Pillows should be large enough to rest on the headboard without falling into the gap. Before purchasing, measure the distance between your mattress and the bed frame.

3. Move or remove the headboard

Some headboards are height adjustable. Quick and easy solution. However, most headboards are not height adjustable. It is best to remove them completely.

Headboards aren’t necessary, so you should get rid of them unless you absolutely want one because they look cool. Every headboard is different: some attach directly to the wall, others are part of the bed frame. You’ll have to unscrew a bit, but the process is easy. You shouldn’t have any problems with that.

4. Fill in the gap

If you’re OK with DIY, filling the gap is a quick and inexpensive fix to the problem. Measure the gap and buy a small plank of wood big enough to fill it. Use a drill and screw your board to the headboard.

There you have it: an elegant and simple solution to the gap problem. It’s by far my favorite because it’s so simple and cheap, but it has two potential flaws:

You must be comfortable with home improvement

If you’re one of those people who sleep without a pillow, it’s extremely inconvenient

Alternatively, you can buy expanding foam and use it to fill the gap, but that takes several cans of foam and they look hideous too. Granted, you’ll be hiding them with sheets and pillows, so it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s up to you to figure out whether it’s a viable solution or not.

Dense foam is also a good option. Measure the gap and then buy the right amount of foam to fill the gap. Simple and inexpensive.

In fact, there are companies that sell fillers specifically for gaps between the frame and the mattress. Choose the right size bed frame and buy the gap filler.

5. Turn the bed

Okay, this might seem a little strange, but listen to me. The problem is your head/pillow keeps falling into the gap, right? What if the gap was on the other side?

So just turn your bed 180 degrees and you’ve solved the problem. Your room will look a little strange the first few times, but it’s just a matter of getting used to it.

This solution is great if, like me, you’re too lazy to do something that isn’t readily available to you. If you don’t have extra pillows or ways to bridge the gap and you don’t want to unscrew nuts from your bed, do this.

⚠Warning: If you move around a lot while you sleep, you risk getting your feet stuck in the gap. It’s still a lot better than banging your head in it, but it’s still a potential problem. That makes the solution mediocre.

Conclusions

The gap between a mattress and a bed frame is a minor inconvenience that can grow into a much bigger problem. Since it’s very easy to fix, I recommend doing it as soon as possible.

All of the solutions I have listed work well, but some are better than others. It’s all up to you. If you care more about looks and elegance, a mattress change is probably the best option, but also the most expensive.

If all you care about is function, then removing the headboard or filling the gap with foam is a great way to address the issue.

It is important that you remove the gap because it is risky. We have no control over our sleep, and even perfectly healthy adults could get their heads stuck in the gap between bed components. And believe me, it’s no fun at all.

So what are you waiting for? Close the gap today!

That annoying gap between your mattress and headboard can cause a lot of disruption and discomfort after losing your pillows for the umpteenth time. If you’ve ever had to get up in the middle of the night just to retrieve pillows that were stuck in the gap, you know how annoying these disruptions to a good night’s sleep are.

In addition, these gaps can pose a health risk to your children as they could get their necks or legs stuck in these gaps with dire consequences. Whether these gaps are due to a small mattress on a large bed frame or adjustment issues, in this article we’ll help you close the gap and sleep well.

The gap between the mattress and the headboard

The gap between a mattress and a headboard isn’t always a design flaw, as a small gap will make it easier for you to change bedding.

While this gap is an intentional part of the bed design, it can be really annoying when you sleep close to the headboard and lose your pillows through the gap. If you use a bed frame with this built in gap, generally stick with it, but you can use tools like bed frame gap fillers to prevent your pillows from becoming victims of this design quirk.

Ways to fix your bed frame gap

If your bed frame has a gap between the mattress and the built-in headboard, your options are limited, although you can use gap fillers or gap killers. There are many pre-made gap fillers on the market, but you can always improvise your own, which we discuss below:

1. Wedge or mattress extension

Using a wedge pillow is the best solution to those annoying gaps between your mattress and the headboard, especially if you sleep too close to the headboard as it completely blocks the gap. As the name suggests, a wedge is a long, angular piece of foam designed to fill that gap perfectly. Pillow wedges are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit both twin size headboards and super king size headboards, so don’t despair.

Mattress extenders perform a function similar to wedges in that they fill the gap with cushioning foam that supports you like a mattress. You can place these foam extensions either between the mattress and the headboard or between the mattress and the footboard.

2. Fill the gap with pad

Another great way to hide small gaps is to use padded headboard padding as it will make your headboard look sleek and modern while hiding that annoying crack. These pads are usually built into the headboards and provide support for the pillows, so this solution works best for small gaps. However, you should not use padding for your cribs as it will not fill the gap and your children may still get stuck in the gap with their hands or feet.

3. Use wooden boards

If you know your way around the saw and sander, you can still go the DIY route and use wooden planks to fill in the gap: measure the size of your headboard and the height of your mattress, paying special attention to the gap between them. Cut out planks of the same size, making sure they perfectly fill the width of the gap, then slide the mattress all the way to the headboard and place those planks in the gap.

4. Adjustable base

If you are ready to make a serious investment in your bed, then we recommend that you purchase an adjustable base for your bed as it will solve the gap problem and add functionality. These adjustable basses are power operated bases that can be adjusted in a multitude of ways, allowing you to raise your head, feet and side to your liking.

5. Free yourself from the headboard

If all of these solutions sound like a fuss, you could always do away with your headboard altogether: after all, headboards aren’t mandatory and you could always push your bed against the wall. Alternatively, try hanging a tapestry behind your bed for aesthetic reasons, or use a wooden board or screen as an alternative to your headboard.

Ways to fix your mattress and headboard gap

You may be using a mattress that is a different size than your bed frame without realizing it: Queen-size mattresses do not pair well with super-king-size headboards or bed frames, resulting in your mattress falling due to the extra space slips and moves the base of your bed. You cannot solve this problem by simply using a filler between the headboard and mattress, so you may need to buy a new mattress or frame if this is the case.:

Change your mattress

If your mattress is too big or too small for your bed frame, a replacement may be the best way to fix that pesky headboard gap. Make sure you know the exact size of your bed frame and buy a properly sized mattress to avoid any kind of gaps.

Change your bed frame

If your bed frame is looking a little tired but your mattress is still strong enough, you should consider replacing your bed frame with a newer (or at least better sized) model: choose a bed frame that perfectly matches your mattress and set Make sure you select one that supports the mattress on all sides to prevent the mattress from sliding around.

Replace your headboard

If your headboard is separate from your bed frame, it may not fit perfectly, creating odd gaps between the headboard, bed frame, and mattress. Headboards should be the same size as your bed frame and mattress, so consider swapping out your headboard if it doesn’t go well with the rest of your bed.

Space between mattress and headboard

If your mattress isn’t properly supported or secured by the bed frame, it can move during the night, creating annoying gaps where your pillows can get stuck. Luckily, using rubber or yoga mats between the mattress and frame will help prevent unwanted movement, as will non-slip mattress pads, which can be conveniently purchased online.

Ways to fix your bed frame

If your mattress and bed frame are the same size, there’s a high chance your bed frame needs a quick fix. Luckily, there are some simple adjustments you can make to eliminate the gap between your mattress and headboard, including:

Move your mattress closer to the headboard

If the gap between the mattress and the headboard is larger than it should be, try moving your mattress closer to the headboard. This will make the gap smaller and prevent pillows and other things from getting in. So remember to push your mattress back every time it slides down.

Remove all obstacles

If your mattress isn’t touching the headboard, even after you’ve tried pushing and shoving it, there may be something in the way. If you suspect an obstruction, remove the mattress, clear the area between the mattress and the headboard, reinsert the mattress and press into place to eliminate the gap.

Customize your box spring bed

If you use a box spring to support your mattress, then this is another thing that could cause the gap between the mattress and the headboard if it’s not in the middle. When you suspect your box spring, remove the mattress, slide your box spring to the end of the bed and put your mattress back on top.

Adjust the bed frame

If you’ve tried everything else, the problem may be with your bed frame: make sure your bed frame aligns properly with your headboard by removing your box spring (if using) and your mattress, then positioning them flush with the headboard.

bottom line

The gaps between the mattresses and headboards can have many causes, so you may have to exhaust all possibilities to find the cause, although the solution is usually simple. However, prevention is the best cure, so try to buy a mattress that fits your bed frame exactly, or use fillers to fill in the inevitable gaps.