Cot 120×60 or 140×70 — which should you choose for a one‑year‑old?

Who is 120×60 best for — and who should pick 140×70?

A 120×60 cm cot is the compact classic. It shines in smaller rooms and apartments where every centimetre counts. It usually serves comfortably until around age two, and longer for smaller children.

A 140×70 cm cot gives more growing room and is often designed to convert to a toddler bed — remove the sides and you get a low bed for a preschooler. That extends the useful life of a single piece of furniture.

When to choose 120×60:

• you have a small room and want free movement around the cot,

• you plan to resell or pass the cot to a younger sibling,

• you prefer a lower purchase cost without compromising safety.

When 140×70 has the edge:

• you want to use one piece longer (toddler‑bed conversion),

• your child is taller than peers or growing fast,

• the room has space for a larger footprint.

If you value timeless looks and durability, browse wooden baby cots — natural wood stands up well to everyday life with a busy toddler.

Ergonomics in daily life: what’s more convenient with a one‑year‑old?

A one‑year‑old can already stand, sit and move plenty. For parents, easy access matters, as does adjustable base height.

• In both sizes look for at least 2–3 levels of adjustment. For a one‑year‑old you’ll typically use the lowest level, which helps prevent climbing.

• The extra space in a larger cot makes it easier to arrange a sleep sack and duvet, but it doesn’t increase safety if the mattress is too soft or you leave gaps along the edges.

• If you expect frequent laundry cycles, you’ll appreciate a simple construction without hard‑to‑reach corners.

Mattresses for 120×60 and 140×70 — the rules are the same

Whatever the frame size, the mattress is key: flat, resilient and stable, with a waterproof layer and a washable cover. Very soft or contoured surfaces are not recommended for small children.

What to focus on:

• Fit — the mattress should fill the frame snugly.

• Firmness — firm/medium‑firm, without a sinking effect.

• Breathability — an airy core plus a cover that wicks moisture.

• Hygiene — a removable cover that can be washed at 40–60°C.

Thinking about replacing the whole set? See wooden baby cots and match the mattress to a specific model from the start.

Safety first: slats, standards and the “clear cot” principle

Choosing the right size is only half the story. The other half is build quality and correct use:

Slats and construction

• Current guidance suggests slat spacing of no more than about 6–6.5 cm to prevent entrapment.

• Check stability, quality of joints, and absence of sharp edges or flaking paint.

• Look for the option to remove 2–3 slats at the right stage — this helps a gradual transition to independent climbing in and out.

“Clear cot” — an uncluttered sleep space

• The safest setup is a clear cot: mattress, fitted sheet and a sleep sack/light duvet. Avoid pillows, bulky bumpers and lots of soft toys.

• A waterproof mattress protector safeguards the core and makes cleaning easier.

Standards that matter

• EN 716 — covers dimensions and safety aspects of cots.

• EN 16890 — specifies requirements for cot mattresses (safety tests, dimensions, stability).

Budget and durability: what pays off?

Price depends on many factors: wood species, hardware quality, height adjustment, extra features and finish. In practice:

• 120×60 usually costs less upfront. Advantage: easy to sell or pass on.

• 140×70 has a higher initial price, but potentially longer use (toddler‑bed function). If you expect the cot to serve 3–4 years, the difference may balance out.

In both cases, prioritise material quality and sound assembly. Well‑kept wooden cots can “grow” with the family for several children.

Does size affect sleep quality and routine?

Does a bigger cot mean better sleep? Not necessarily. For one‑year‑olds, consistent conditions matter most: darkness, quiet, predictable timing, and clothing appropriate to room temperature. Size mainly affects parent comfort (easier bedding changes) and how long the furniture stays comfortable — but it won’t fix sleep if the fundamentals are off.

Real‑life scenarios — what to pick?

Small room, one child, tight budget
Choose 120×60. It’s a smart balance between function and price. Get a quality, well‑fitting mattress and keep textiles simple.

Large room, fast‑growing child, aiming to keep one piece longer
Go with 140×70 with a toddler‑bed option. You’ll gain time and a smoother transition into preschool years.

Planning for two children
Start with 120×60 for the firstborn; later the same cot can serve the younger child. Along the way, replace the cover/mattress if hygiene calls for it.

Natural style nursery, need for durability
Pick a solid wood cot — easy to refresh, and little scratches add character. Explore wooden baby cots and compare conversion options.

Parents’ FAQ

Is the larger size safer?
Safety depends on construction and mattress, not on size. What counts: stability, no sharp edges, correct slat spacing, a flat and firm sleep surface, and a snug mattress fit.

When should we move from a cot to a “big” bed?
Most children are ready between 18 and 36 months. Climbing attempts over the rail, frequent night trips to the potty, or obvious discomfort due to lack of space are common signs.

Is a floor bed (Montessori) a good idea for a one‑year‑old?
Only if the room is fully child‑proofed. For most families, a classic cot maintains the most predictable sleep conditions.

Is a toddler‑bed conversion worth it?
If you have space for 140×70 and plan to keep one piece longer, yes — conversion is often practical and economical.

How do we care for the mattress so it lasts?
Use a waterproof, removable cover, wash it regularly, air the core, and avoid permanent indentations. If odours persist or damage occurs, consider replacement.

Quick selection checklist

• Measure the space in the room, including walkways and drawer/wardrobe clearance.

• Decide on the time horizon: ~2 years (120×60) or 3–4 years and beyond (140×70 with conversion).

• Check stability and finish quality, slat spacing and height levels.

• Choose a mattress: flat, firm/medium‑firm, waterproof, with no edge gaps.

• Keep accessories to a minimum — a clear cot is safer.

Myths and facts about cot sizes

“A bigger cot always means better sleep.” — Myth.
At this age, consistent routine and proper temperature/clothing matter far more than an extra 10 cm of space. A very large surface doesn’t increase safety — a flat, firm mattress and a clutter‑free cot do.

“Smaller cots are outgrown too fast.” — Partly true.
With a fast‑growing child, 120×60 may feel tight around age two. But if you plan to pass the cot on or resell it, the total cost of ownership can still be excellent.

“Toddler‑bed conversions aren’t worth it.” — It depends.
If your child uses a larger cot for 3–4 years and the room can handle the size, conversion is often very convenient and cost‑effective.

Planning the nursery layout

Before you click “buy”, grab a tape measure and check:

• Access around the cot (both sides, or side plus foot) — allow at least 60–70 cm of free space so you can lean in comfortably.

• Drawer and wardrobe clearance — make sure a larger cot won’t clash with daily use.

• Sockets and cables — position the cot so it doesn’t contact cords or curtains.

• Light and heat — avoid direct sunlight and keep the cot away from radiators.

For a coherent look, choose neutral finishes and unobtrusive textiles. In small rooms, visual minimalism really pays off.

Smart accessories — and what to skip

Worth having:

• A fitted sheet that grips the mattress well.

• A waterproof protector (integrated cover or thin pad) — saves cleanup time.

• A sleep sack matched to room temperature (TOG), instead of duvets and blankets.

Skip:

• Pillows and bulky bumpers — they raise overheating and airflow risks.

• Soft wedges and rolls — not recommended for sleep.

• Too many soft toys — keep them on the shelf, not in the cot.

Two sample sets (size + mattress + textiles)

Compact set (120×60):
Cot with three base levels, a resilient mattress (HR foam or foam + thin coconut layer), a washable waterproof cover, two fitted sheets, all‑season sleep sack. Ideal for small rooms and frequent laundry.

Future‑proof set (140×70 + toddler):
Convertible cot, stable mattress with the same characteristics, zip‑around cover, fitted sheets and two sleep sacks (summer and winter weights). The furniture lasts longer and your child transitions smoothly to the next stage.

Summary

When weighing cot 120×60 vs 140×70, base the choice on room size, planned years of use and safety. The smaller size wins on mobility and price; the larger on longevity and an easy toddler‑bed transition. In both cases, prioritise a solid build and a well‑fitting, flat mattress. If you value durability and a natural look, explore wooden baby cots and pick a model that will “grow” with your family.

Sources

• NCT / RoSPA: Sleep safety and co‑sleeping — references to BS EN 716 and slat spacing up to 6.5 cm.
  https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/caring-for-your-baby-or-toddler/sleep-safety-and-co-sleeping

• The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding — flat, firm, waterproof‑protected mattress; Keeping a clear cot.
  https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/baby-safety/baby-product-information/mattresses-and-bedding/
  https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/baby-safety/safer-sleep-information/keeping-a-clear-cot/

• NHS (Cambridgeshire & Peterborough): Keeping your sleeping baby safe — guidance on moving from cot to bed (18–36 months).
  https://cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/sleep/keeping-your-sleeping-baby-safe/

• BSI Knowledge: BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 — Mattresses for cots and cribs — scope of the standard.
  https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/childrens-furniture-mattresses-for-cots-and-cribs-safety-requirements-and-test-methods