Nursery furniture that grows with your child
Babies grow fast, and nursery furniture can be a big outlay. Choosing pieces that adapt as your child grows means you buy once and keep using them well beyond the baby years.
Cot beds: from baby to toddler
A cot bed starts as a cot and converts into a toddler bed by removing the sides, usually with a larger mattress (70 x 140cm) than a standard cot (60 x 120cm). Many have adjustable base heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby learns to sit and stand. Some designs also offer under-bed drawers. Our cot beds come from OBaby, Tutti Bambini and Vox.
When comparing cot beds, check:
- what it converts into and whether extra parts are needed;
- the number of base height positions;
- the mattress size it takes, so you can buy a cot bed mattress that fits snugly.
For safer sleep advice, The Lullaby Trust is the UK's leading source of up-to-date guidance. See our cot bed checklist for more.
Changing units that become chests
A chest changer gives you a changing station now and a chest of drawers later, once the changing top comes off. That makes it one of the best-value nursery pieces. Read our changing unit buying guide.
Wardrobes that suit a bigger child
A nursery wardrobe with adjustable rails and shelves can keep working as clothes get bigger. Classic shapes in white, grey or natural wood suit a school-age child's room as easily as a nursery.
Nursery sets: plan the whole room at once
Nursery furniture sets group a cot bed with matching storage, which makes co-ordinating easy and often means every piece has a life after the nursery. Check exactly which pieces each set includes. See edits of white, grey and natural wood nursery sets.
The next step: toddler and first big beds
When your child outgrows the cot bed (or starts climbing out), the next step is a toddler bed or a low single. Low house beds are a popular first bed. Raised beds come later: the upper bed of a bunk isn't suitable for children under six under the standard BS EN 747. Our kids' bed finder can help when the time comes.
Tips for a nursery that lasts
- Keep the big pieces neutral and add colour and theme with bedding, rugs, wall decor and lighting, which are easy to change.
- Choose sturdy finishes that wipe clean.
- Think about storage height: lower drawers and rails let a growing child help themselves.
- Measure the room for every piece, with space for drawers and doors to open and a chair for feeds.
- Fix storage to the wall from day one. See our anti-tip guide.
What to buy now and what can wait
- Before the birth: somewhere safe to sleep with a correctly fitting mattress, somewhere to change nappies and somewhere for clothes.
- In the first year: a wardrobe as clothes get bigger, and a comfortable chair for feeds.
- Toddler years: a toddler bed or low single, toy storage and a small table and chairs.
Shop nursery furniture sets
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cot and a cot bed?
A cot bed is larger (usually taking a 70 x 140cm mattress) and converts into a toddler bed. A standard cot is smaller (usually 60 x 120cm) and doesn't convert.
How long does a cot bed last?
A cot bed is used as a cot and then as a toddler bed, so it typically lasts well into the toddler years. Check each product for what it converts into.
When should I convert a cot bed to a toddler bed?
Many families convert when their child starts trying to climb out of the cot, or shows they're ready for a big bed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for converting.