Choosing the Right Bed for Your Baby – What’s Best and Why
Your little bundle is nearly here – how exciting! 🐣 One of the first big decisions you’ll make is where they’ll sleep. With so many beautiful options to choose from, it’s easy to feel a little unsure. Should you start with a bassinet or go straight to a cot? Do you want something that grows with your baby, or a cosy little nest for those early days? We're here to help you figure out what matters most – and which sleep setup will suit your family best.
Bassinet or Cot: What’s the Right Starting Point?
Your baby can sleep safely in either a bassinet or a cot from day one, but the best choice really depends on your space, routine, and preferences.
A bassinet is ideal if you want:
- Your baby sleeping close by during those early weeks. Most bassinets fit comfortably beside your bed, making night-time feeds, nappy changes, and soothing much easier.
- A compact sleep space that’s great for small rooms, shared bedrooms, or apartments.
- Something easy to move around the house – bassinets are typically lightweight, so you can keep your baby nearby while you get on with your day.
- A cosier environment for your newborn. The smaller size can help babies feel more snug and secure, which may lead to more settled sleep.
- A short-term option before transitioning to a cot – especially if you plan to move your baby into their nursery after the fourth trimester.
- An easier height for recovering parents. The higher profile of most bassinets means less bending, which can be especially helpful after a C-section or challenging birth.
At Dimples, we have several lovely options to choose from. The SnuzPod is a clever bedside bassinet that attaches securely to your bed, making night feeds and check-ins easier while keeping baby in their own safe space. If you love a natural, timeless look, the Nestling Moses Basket is a lightweight, woven option that’s easy to move from room to room and brings a beautiful softness to your nursery. The Snoozi Bassinet is another great choice – designed for safe co-sleeping, it offers mesh sides for airflow, a washable inner nest, and folds down easily for travel or storage.
Each option has its own charm, and what works best will depend on your lifestyle, home setup, and how you’d like those early newborn nights to feel.
Thinking Ahead? Choose a Bed That Grows With Your Child
If you're looking for something that can go the distance – from those sleepy newborn days through toddlerhood and beyond – the Stokke® Sleepi™ is an outstanding choice.
Starting off as a snug and secure Sleepi Mini bassinet, it gives your baby a nest-like sleep space in the early months. Its soft oval shape and breathable sides create a cocooned environment, helping your newborn feel safe and settled.
But the real beauty of the Sleepi is what happens next. With a simple extension kit and a new mattress, it can transform from a bassinet into a full-sized cot! Then when your little one is ready, simply take one of the sides off and you have a toddler bed – suitable for children up to around 5 years old.
It’s an investment that pays off – both practically and emotionally. Your child can grow up in the same bed they’ve slept in from day one.
Beautiful Cot Options to Consider
Not every family needs a full multi-stage setup – so here are some other wonderful options depending on your needs, aesthetic and space. Most also offer a toddler bed conversion once your little one is ready for the freedom to get in and out of bed by themselves.
Here are a few favourites:
- Amara Cot Crafted from sustainable European beech, the Amara brings a calm, natural feel to your nursery. It starts with a higher mattress setting for newborns and easily converts into a stylish toddler bed with the optional conversion kit – perfect for parents wanting both form and function.
- Mackenzie Cot With clean lines and a single-tone finish, the Mackenzie adds warmth and simplicity to your nursery. It grows with your child by converting to a toddler bed and can be paired with the matching dresser for a cohesive look.
- Indi Cot A gentle boho option that pairs soft hessian fabric with natural tones to create a warm, grounded feel. Made from sustainable materials, the Indi Cot converts easily to a toddler bed for long-lasting practicality.
- Tommi Cot Subtle Scandi design meets versatility in the Tommi Cot. Available in white or oak finishes, it offers 3-in-1 functionality, growing from a cot to a toddler bed or daybed with the optional junior rail – a timeless piece that suits both modern and classic spaces.
What’s Best For You?
Every family is different. To help you decide, think about:
- Where your baby will sleep in the early months.
- How long you want your sleep solution to last.
- Your space – are you in a small home, apartment, or planning to move?
- Your lifestyle – do you travel often? Need a portable option?
- Your budget – are you wanting one long-lasting solution or buying in stages?
We’ve carefully curated a range of sleep options to suit every family – whether you're after something compact, long-lasting, budget-friendly, or beautifully designed to match your nursery. There’s something here for every stage, every space, and every style.
Browse our full range of cots, bassinets, and junior beds here, or pop in-store to see them up close – we’re always happy to help you find the right fit for your little one’s first sleep space.
