Nursery furniture & sleep

Sleep gear is usually bought in stages. Many families start with a bedside crib or Moses basket for the first months, then move to a cot or cot bed that lasts into toddlerhood. Cot beds convert into a small bed, which extends their life but takes more floor space.

Mattresses are sold separately far more often than people expect, and sizes vary between brands — always match the mattress to the exact cot. Room sets can be better value than buying pieces individually, but check what is included before comparing prices.