Choosing the best cot for your child can be a daunting task. The right cot can last you for years, so choosing the best one is important! Do you want a convertible cot or something more compact? What’s the difference between the various cots?
Today, we’re aiming to answer these questions, as well as many more, so that you can be sure you’re choosing the best cot for your baby.
Key Points
- Your baby’s safety should be your number one priority when choosing your baby’s bed
- A firm mattress is the best choice for children under 12 months old
- Not every cot offers a convertible feature, but many parents invest in it because of their long-term perks
- Ensure your baby’s cot, mattress, and mattress base meet the appropriate safety standard
- Your baby’s crib should not be within proximity of any suffocation hazard, even under supervision
Content in this article:
- What Are The Australian Safety Standards For Cots?
- What Are The Different Types Of Cots You Have To Choose From?
- How Do You Choose A Style That Is Bested Suited To You And Your Baby?
- What Safety Features Should You Look For When Buying A Cot?
- The Importance Of Good Mattress Support For Your Baby
- How Much Do Cots Cost?
- Are There Any Cot Accessories I Need To Consider?
- 10 Things That Make A Crib Safe
What Are The Australian Safety Standards For Cots?
Safety is among the most important things to consider when choosing baby cots. The cot should always meet the latest Australian safety standard AS/NZS 2172-2003. The cot should also be certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as this means the cot has been tested for your baby’s use.
Once you have assembled the cot, ensure there are no sharp corners or loose screws. Look for choking hazards and other features that might cause injury. You can also look at the manufacturer’s website to make sure that the cot has not been previously recalled.
What Are The Different Types Of Cots You Have To Choose From?
There are many different types of cots to choose from, so we have detailed the most popular to help you choose below:
Standard Cots
Standard cots, otherwise known as full sized cots, often measure 130 x 69 cm. Standard cots can be used from birth to 3 years, or until your baby reaches the maximum weight limit. All full sized cribs must meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172-2003.
What Are The Advantages Of A Standard Baby Cot?
- They provide a safe sleep space for your baby
- They have different height settings for younger and older babies
- They’re often inexpensive
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Standard Baby Cot?
- They don’t convert to a toddler bed
- They can take up a lot of space
Compact Baby Cots
Compact baby cots are the smaller alternative to standard cribs, usually measuring 120 x 60 cm. They’re best for apartment living and younger babies who will feel more comfortable in a smaller sleep space. Some compact cribs even come with wheels, making them easily moveable.
What Are The Advantages Of A Compact Baby Cot?
- They can be more comfortable for young babies
- They take up less space than full sized cots
- They can be more portable
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Compact Baby Cot?
- They won’t last as long as bigger cots, as your baby will outgrow the space quicker
- They work out as less value for money
Convertible Baby Cots
Convertible baby cots are the best value for money because they transform from a cot to a toddler bed, and some can even transform again into a single bed. They are the same size as standard cots, but with the ability to convert them into beds, you can use a convertible cot for longer than five years!
What Are The Advantages Of A Convertible Baby Cot?
- They’re excellent value for money
- They can be used for five years
- They save you money in the long run as you don’t have to buy a separate toddler bed
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Convertible Baby Cot?
- The upfront cost is often expensive
- They come with extra parts for the conversion that you’ll need to store away until you need them
Travel Baby Cots
Travel baby cots are made from mesh and plastic, making them lightweight, easy to fold, and portable. There is no standard size for travel cots in Australia, but the majority measure around 100 x 70 cm. They have a thinner mattress designed for short-term use, such as family holidays.
What Are The Advantages Of A Travel Baby Cot?
- They make holidays and trips away from home easier
- They are lightweight and easy to carry
- They provide a safe sleep space away from your baby’s usual cot
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Travel Baby Cot?
- The plastic materials often rustle while your baby moves
- The thinner mattress is less comfortable for babies
- They do not have the safety features of other options – and are not considered a safe long-term solution
Dropside Baby Cots
Dropside cribs can either be full sized or compact, but instead of having four static sides, one of them has a dropside mechanism in which the bars lower. This helps you pick your baby up more easily from the lowest mattress setting, which is ideal for shorter parents or parents with back issues. For a dropside cot to be considered safe, it must have a functional locking mechanism, according to Red Nose Australia.
What Are The Advantages Of A Dropside Baby Cot?
- The drop side makes it easier for you to get your baby in and out of bed
- They’re safer for shorter parents
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Dropside Baby Cot?
- The drop side makes it more likely for your child to fall out if you forget to latch it up
Round Baby Cots
Round baby cots are quickly growing in popularity, and we can see why! They’re safe, comfortable, and make a lovely centrepiece to a nursery. Some believe that these cots’ rounded shape mimics the womb’s shape, cocooning your young baby to make them feel safer while sleeping.
What Are The Advantages Of A Round Baby Cot?
- They can make your little one feel safer when sleeping away from you
- They look great!
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Round Baby Cot?
- They’re not as big as full sized cots, so they won’t last as long
How Do You Choose A Style That Is Bested Suited To You And Your Baby?
With so many cribs on the market, it can be difficult to know which will be the best for your family. We’ve listed some of the most important features to look for when shopping for a cot below:
Picking The Right Size
You should make sure the size of your chosen cot is the best for your little one. Compact baby cots are smaller and can often only be used for a few months, while standard cribs and convertible cots can be used for up to five years.
Consider how long you want to use the cot and how much space you currently have to store the cot. You might choose a smaller cot to tide you over until you have more space for a full size crib if you’re planning on moving to a bigger house in the next year, for example.
Safety And Quality
Make sure any cot you’re considering has met the most recent safety standards and has the following certification: Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172-2003. Without this, the crib is not considered a safe space for your baby to sleep in.
The cot you choose should be of excellent quality. Check the quality once you have determined that the cot you’re considering has passed the safety standard. However, if you want a cot that will last you years, you’ll need to check the materials and hardware to make sure that they are the best quality possible.
Most cots are made from wood and MDF, which are durable and non-toxic. Make sure that the cot you choose has a non-toxic finish, as many babies tend to chew their cots at one point or another.
You can also get metal cribs, although these are less common. While metal cots look amazing and make a great statement piece, they can be loud if your baby moves while sleeping. No matter which material you choose, make sure that the cot is made with excellent durability and quality.
Coordinating Colours And Design
The crib you choose needs to match your chosen nursery design and theme. Most wooden cots will come in a variety of colours that make matching the theme easy, although you might have some trouble finding the perfect design if your theme is unique. Make sure you shop around to find the perfect cot based on your design preferences and nursery furniture!
Additional Features That Not All Cots Have
Some cots have additional features, such as drawers and extra storage space, multiple mattress heights, and drop sides. These features often maximise convenience and functionality, giving you even better value for money. Convertible cribs have the ability to convert into a toddler bed, which saves you money in the long run.
However, additional features often increase the price of a cot, so consider if you need these before you buy a crib with them. Once you know which additional features you’d like with your cot, you’ll find shopping for the perfect crib to be much easier.
What Safety Features Should You Look For When Buying A Cot?
Safety is the most important feature of any cot to make sure your baby’s sleep space is completely safe. We’ve detailed safety features to look for below:
- The mattress should be firm and sturdy
- The Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172-2003 safety standards should be met
- The cot should have no loose parts or missing pieces
- The distance from the mattress to the top of the cot should be at least 50 cm
- The cot bars should be spaced between 2.5 and 6.5 cm apart
- The convertible cots should come with a toddler guard or railing to prevent your child from falling out
- The headboard should have no cutouts big enough for your child to fit a limb through
The Importance Of Good Mattress Support For Your Baby
Always opt for a firm mattress when choosing a crib mattress. Firm mattresses can reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), making them the safest mattresses to choose. Don’t worry; firm mattresses don’t automatically make your baby uncomfortable – they can actually be more comfy and supportive of your little one’s growing body.
Always make sure that the cot mattress you choose is the correct size for your crib. There should be no gap between the mattress and the cot, as this could become an entrapment risk. The mattress should have good quality, durable stitching, and no loose threads. We recommend opting for a mattress from the same manufacturer as your cot, as you know the mattress will fit the frame.
How Much Do Cots Cost?
Baby cots can vary greatly when it comes to their cost. Some budget-friendly options can cost as low as $200, while higher end convertible cribs can cost $2,000 and above! The good news is that there’s an excellent selection of cots on the market for any budget.
The most important thing to consider when buying a cot is its quality. Lower priced cots might not be the best quality, which might them effect the safety of the crib. However, that’s not to say you need to buy the highest priced cot to get a safe model. Some of the most expensive cots don’t meet the necessary safety standards.
Set a budget and stick to it – there will be a suitable crib within your price range. Shop around until you find it!
How To Save Money When Buying A New Cot?
Cots can be expensive, so we’re always looking for best ways to save money without compromising the safety of our little ones. Our first tip would be to buy the full-sized crib right off the bat. Mini cribs might be helpful for smaller spaces and newborns, but they’ll be outgrown within a few months. They cost almost the same as a standard crib, so you’ll need to pay for two cribs when you could’ve gone straight for the standard crib and saved half the money.
Another tip is to go straight to the convertible crib. This type of cot gives you five years of use without you needing to buy another bed for your baby. While the upfront cost might be a little higher, the value for money makes it worth it! Plus, there are plenty of budget-friendly convertible cribs on the market.
Always do your research before jumping to buy a cot. Does it do everything you need of it? Is it durable and safe? Will you need to replace it within the next few years?
Our final tip is to take advantage of sales and promotions. There are plenty of baby sale events throughout the year from various stores, and you can get an amazing saving on cot prices when taking advantage of them. Amazon often runs promotions, too, such as Prime Day, where you can get up to 50% off the retail price! So, we recommend waiting to see if the price comes down before buying a cot.
Is It Okay To Buy A Secondhand Cot?
Yes, go ahead and buy a second-hand cot for your baby if you want to save money. We’ve all seen the adorable handmade or vintage cots on secondhand marketplaces, and we think they’re super cute!
However, make sure that it still adheres to the safety standard AS NZS 2172 2003. This should be on a sticker on the frame, and don’t use any baby furniture that doesn’t comply with these safety standards. Doing so puts your baby at risk, and nothing’s worth that – no matter how cute the vintage crib is.
Are There Any Cot Accessories I Need To Consider?
Cot accessories are a hot topic, as many aren’t considered safe for babay sleep. Cot bumpers and bedding should not be introduced to a cot before the age of one. This is because they can be used as a step to climb out of the cot, or even increase the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
We’ve detailed a list of cot accessories below that are considered safe:
- A firm mattress
- A fitted cot sheet
- A cot mobile (for under five months old)
Other than that, there should be nothing in or attached to the crib. Safe sleep guidelines state that your baby should be placed on their back, alone in their cot. Below is a list of cot accessories not considered safe:
- Loose blankets or sheets
- Stuffed animals
- Crib tents
- Crib bumpers
- Sleep positioners
- Pillows
10 Things That Make A Cot Safe
We’ve looked at the safety features you should look for to ensure your child’s safety, but what makes a crib safe? Even with the above safety features in place, you can do a few more things to avoid any other hazards.
- Always make sure the crib meets the latest safety standards
- Always make sure the cot has a functional locking mechanism in place that operates safely, if you choose a drop side cot
- Always ensure the mattress fits snugly in the crib with no gaps larger than two fingers
- Always make sure all hardware is secure and in good condition
- Always avoid any decorative items or additional padding in the crib
- Always place the crib away from windows, cords, and blinds
- Always avoid putting any toys or stuffed animals in the crib
- Always inspect the crib regularly for any loose parts or worn components
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and use
- Always keep the crib at least one foot away from other furniture, as this could pose an entrapment risk
Final Thoughts On What To Look For In A Cot
Safety should always be your number one priority when choosing a crib. Always consider your baby’s development, the size of the crib, and assembly requirements during purchase. With some research, you can ensure you get the perfect crib for your little one.