Baby and Child Sleep Products by Age

Birth–3 months A clear, simple sleep space The priority is a separate, clear sleep space with a firm, flat mattress and bedding suited to the room temperature.

Newborn sleep setup

Cot, crib or Moses basket Essential setup

A cot, crib or Moses basket provides a separate sleep space that can remain in the same room as the parent.
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Mattress Essential setup

Choose a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that fits the sleep space without gaps.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Useful now

A small rotation of fitted sheets and a suitable waterproof protector makes night-time changes easier.
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Baby sleeping bag Useful option

A well-fitting sleeping bag can replace loose bedding when the size and tog suit the baby and room.
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Swaddle Depends on preference

Some families use a lightweight swaddle in the early weeks. Stop arms-in swaddling when the baby shows signs of rolling.
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Room thermometer Useful now

Helps parents judge the room rather than relying on how warm it feels.
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Blackout blind Depends on the room

May help in a bright bedroom, particularly for daytime sleep or long summer evenings.
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White-noise machine Optional

Some families find a consistent background sound useful, but it is not an essential purchase.
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Baby monitor Usually wait

Often unnecessary while the baby sleeps in the same room, though individual homes and routines vary.
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4 months–5 months Planning the next sleep space Some babies still fit their first sleep space while others are nearing the move to a full-size cot or cot bed.

Preparing for the cot

Cot, crib or Moses basket Check size limits

Continue only while the product remains suitable for the baby's size, movement and manufacturer limits.
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Cot or cot bed Research now

A cot or cot bed may soon replace the earliest bedside or portable sleep space.
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Mattress Choose with the cot

The mattress should be firm, flat, waterproof and the correct size for the chosen cot.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Useful now

Buy only enough fitted sheets and protection for realistic washing and night-time changes.
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Baby sleeping bag Useful option

Check neck, shoulder and weight guidance rather than choosing only by stated age.
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Room thermometer Still useful

Useful when seasons change or the baby begins sleeping in a different room.
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Blackout blind Depends on the room

May become more useful as naps develop and daylight lasts later into the evening.
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White-noise machine Optional

Existing white noise may remain part of the routine, but there is no need to add it if sleep is working without it.
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6 months–8 months A more established sleep setup The sleep space often becomes more permanent while rolling and increased movement make a clear cot especially important.

Moving into the cot

Cot or cot bed Useful now

A full-size cot or cot bed can provide the main sleep space for this stage and beyond.
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Mattress Essential setup

Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that fits the cot correctly.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Everyday use

Fitted sheets and mattress protection remain the core washable layers.
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Baby sleeping bag Useful option

A correctly fitted sleeping bag may remain practical as the baby becomes more mobile.
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Room thermometer Still useful

Helps match sleep clothing and bedding to the room rather than the season alone.
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Blackout blind Often useful

Can make naps and early bedtimes easier in a bright room.
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White-noise machine Optional

May help mask household noise where that is a recurring problem.
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Baby monitor Depends on setup

May become useful when the baby begins sleeping away from the main living area or in a separate room.
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Travel cot Depends on travel

Useful for regular overnight stays, but many families can borrow one or use accommodation-provided equipment.
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9 months–11 months Keeping the cot practical and clear Standing, rolling and changing sleep patterns make a simple, uncluttered cot and consistent routine increasingly valuable.

Mobile baby sleep

Cot or cot bed In regular use

The cot base may need lowering as mobility increases, following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Mattress In regular use

Continue using the correctly fitted firm, flat mattress without adding soft sleep products.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Everyday use

Durable, easy-wash layers remain more useful than decorative bedding.
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Baby sleeping bag Useful option

May help avoid loose covers while allowing normal movement when correctly sized.
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Blackout blind Often useful

May support naps and bedtime where daylight or street lighting is disruptive.
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White-noise machine Optional

Worth keeping only if it solves a real household-noise problem or is already part of the routine.
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Baby monitor Depends on setup

Audio-only may be enough for some homes; video adds visibility but is not essential for every family.
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Travel cot Useful for travel

A familiar portable sleep space can simplify regular trips and overnight stays.
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1 year–1y 5m Sleep products for a more active child The cot often remains the safest and simplest main sleep space while bedtime routines become more established.

Early toddler sleep

Cot or cot bed Still central

Many children remain comfortably in a cot or cot bed well beyond their first birthday.
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Mattress In regular use

Replace only if damaged, poorly fitting or no longer supportive rather than because of age alone.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Everyday use

Simple washable bedding remains the practical core of the sleep setup.
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Baby sleeping bag May still be useful

Toddler sizes may remain convenient if the child is comfortable and the product still fits correctly.
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Blackout blind Often useful

Can help with early mornings, naps and long summer evenings.
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White-noise machine Optional

Continue only where it remains helpful; there is no need to introduce it routinely.
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Baby monitor Depends on home

May provide reassurance when the child's room is distant from the parent or living space.
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Travel cot Useful for travel

Check the size and weight limits as the child grows.
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Night light Usually optional

A dim light may help with night-time care, though many children do not need one yet.
Overview guidance

1y 6m–1y 11m Supporting a consistent bedtime setup Existing sleep equipment may still work well. The main changes are often behavioural rather than reasons to replace products.

Toddler sleep routines

Cot or cot bed Still useful

There is usually no need to move from a cot simply because the child is approaching two.
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Mattress In regular use

Continue with the current mattress while it fits correctly and remains in good condition.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Everyday use

A manageable rotation of washable bedding remains more useful than a large set.
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Baby sleeping bag Depends on preference

Some toddlers remain comfortable in larger sleeping bags while others prefer different bedding.
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Blackout blind Often useful

May continue helping with naps, early mornings and seasonal light changes.
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White-noise machine Optional

Useful only where it remains part of a settled routine or masks disruptive sound.
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Baby monitor Depends on home

The need depends more on room layout and parental preference than the child's exact age.
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Travel cot Check size limits

May still be practical for travel if the child remains within the product limits.
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Night light Depends on preference

A low, warm light may help with checks or changes without brightly lighting the room.
Overview guidance

2 years–2y 11m Preparing for changing sleep habits Some children remain in a cot while others begin moving to a bed. Readiness and safety matter more than reaching a particular birthday.

Independent toddler sleep

Cot or cot bed May still be best

A cot or cot bed can remain suitable until the child climbs out, exceeds limits or is genuinely ready to move.
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Toddler or first bed Depends on readiness

Consider only when the current cot is no longer suitable or the child is ready for a more open sleep space.
Overview guidance
Mattress Choose with the bed

A bed transition may require a new correctly sized, supportive mattress.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Everyday use

Waterproof protection can become especially useful during toilet-training years.
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Toddler pillow and duvet Optional after one

A pillow and duvet are no longer prohibited by infant guidance, but neither is essential if the existing setup works.
Overview guidance
Bed guard Depends on the bed

May reduce rolling from an open bed, provided it is suitable for the mattress and used exactly as directed.
Overview guidance
Blackout blind Often useful

Can remain valuable for naps, early mornings and summer evenings.
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Night light Depends on the child

May help children who become uneasy in the dark, but should remain dim and unobtrusive.
Overview guidance
Sleep clock Worth trying later

Some older toddlers begin understanding a simple visual cue for morning, though results vary.
Overview guidance
Baby monitor Depends on home

May still be useful after a bed transition, especially if the child can leave the bed independently.
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3 years–3y 11m A simpler preschool sleep setup The focus shifts towards a comfortable bed, washable bedding and a bedroom routine the child can increasingly understand.

Preschool sleep

Toddler or first bed Useful if transitioned

A toddler bed or low single bed may suit children who have outgrown or climbed from the cot.
Overview guidance
Cot or cot bed May still be used

Convertible cot beds may remain suitable when used within their limits.
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Mattress Everyday use

Support, fit and condition matter more than marketing aimed specifically at preschoolers.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Everyday use

Easy-wash bedding and mattress protection remain particularly practical.
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Toddler pillow and duvet Useful option

Choose manageable, washable bedding rather than an oversized or overly warm set.
Overview guidance
Bed guard Depends on sleep movement

May be useful during a transition, but is not required for every low bed or every child.
Overview guidance
Blackout blind Often useful

Can continue helping with summer evenings and early morning light.
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Night light Depends on the child

A dim light may offer reassurance without turning the bedroom into a brightly lit play space.
Overview guidance
Sleep clock Worth trying

A clear visual morning cue may help some preschoolers understand when it is time to get up.
Overview guidance
White-noise machine Usually optional

May remain helpful in a noisy home, but there is no need to keep it indefinitely without a clear benefit.
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4 years–5 years Practical sleep products before school Most specialist baby sleep equipment is no longer needed. A comfortable bed and a predictable bedroom environment usually matter most.

Older preschool sleep

Toddler or first bed Everyday sleep space

A toddler or single bed should suit the child's size, room and expected years of use.
Overview guidance
Mattress Everyday use

Choose for correct fit, support and durability rather than extra features with little practical value.
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Fitted sheets and mattress protector Everyday use

Washable sheets and discreet mattress protection remain useful through occasional accidents and illness.
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Toddler pillow and duvet Everyday option

Simple, washable bedding is usually sufficient; warmth should suit the room and child.
Overview guidance
Bed guard Usually temporary

Often unnecessary once the child is settled in a low bed and no longer regularly rolls out.
Overview guidance
Blackout blind Depends on the room

May still help where outside light disrupts bedtime or causes very early waking.
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Night light Depends on the child

Useful for reassurance or independent toilet trips when kept dim and safely positioned.
Overview guidance
Sleep clock Useful for some families

May support a consistent morning boundary when the child understands the visual cue.
Overview guidance
Travel cot Often outgrown

Check limits carefully; many children at this stage need a different travel sleeping arrangement.
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Sleep products, stage by stage.

More guides are being prepared.

What changes as your child grows.