What Bed Should a One Year Old Be In?

Choosing the right bed for your child can be tricky, and finding one that is safe, secure and comfortable is a parent’s top priority. With so many options out there, we’ve come up with some recommendations of what to look out for, as well as bed choices to keep your little one-year-olds nice and snug night after night.

Due to safety reasons, we suggest children aged one should remain in a secure cot or cot bed. It is recommended that children of this age need around 11-14 hours of sleep a day, so it’s important to consider their bed and sleep environment carefully to ensure your toddler is able to rest comfortably.

Firstly, let's start with what you need to consider before purchasing a bed for your one year old:

Safety

We’re sure safety will be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to choosing the right bed for your child. The best way to ensure a bed is up to scratch is to check the safety standards for your country. In the UK, cots need to comply with the BS EN 716 standard which ensures the cot depth is appropriate and that the rails are a safe distance apart, as well as maintaining other crucial safety features.

Design

As well as safety, the design of your child’s bed is important to offer longevity and practicality. Removable bars and height adjusting features will allow you to make the most of your child’s sleep space. With thousands of options on the market you may choose to select a bed by colour preference or perhaps style, to complete the look of the room or complement your existing decor.

To the untrained eye, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a cot and a cot bed. However, there are actually a number of differences between the two popular bed choices.

Type of beds:

Cots

Cots are the most common choice for one year olds as they are a safe option for keeping babies in their bed. They tend to vary in size but they are often smaller than cot beds, making them a great solution for smaller sized rooms as they take up less space. Cots are usually defined as taking a mattress size 60 x 120cm. A cot is suitable for newborns up until the age of around two years old. Some models also feature detachable sides which allows you to align your child’s cot to your bed. You may also want to consider whether you plan on having another baby, as a cot could be a cost effective investment if you wish to have more children, as the cot could be used for the new baby whilst the older child transitions to a bigger bed.

Cot beds

A cot bed is also another suitable choice as it can be used from birth up to the age of four, making it a versatile option for a child’s bedroom. Cot beds also include removable rails and a mattress which is height adjustable. This style of bed is wider than a cot but smaller than a single bed. The longevity of a cot bed is one of its biggest benefits, this style of bed can grow with your child with it being suitable for newborns until the age of four years old. One of the biggest benefits of a cot bed is that they are a more cost effective option, cot beds eliminate the need to buy another bed because they can be converted into a toddler bed which means it will be used for a longer period of time.

Once you’ve decided on whether you’re going to purchase a cot or cot bed, you’ll need to also consider the type of mattress you choose. A firm mattress is best for young children so they can move freely and a firmer mattress supports their spinal alignment whilst they grow. A cot bed takes a mattress size 70x140cm, these are bigger meaning they can last longer as your child grows.

At Room to Grow we have a selection of contemporary cots that are built to last with brilliant safety features so you can sleep at night knowing your baby is safe and protected. Our cots are available in white, black, grey and natural. Our beds are designed to fit seamlessly into any room so you can create a cosy and relaxing sleeping environment for your one year old. Room to Grow beds also protect your little ones whilst protecting the planet, as we only use quality sustainable materials.

As we’ve discussed there are pros and cons for cots and cot beds, but there is no right or wrong choice. We hope we have enlightened you to the multiple bed options available for 1 year olds.

Explore our wide range of beds for your one year old here.