If there is anything more gorgeous than the sight of your baby sleeping peacefully in bed, it’s when they’re sleeping in a beautiful cot, safe and snug. And when it comes to baby cots in Australia, there are colours and styles to suit every space.
Just as the change table is a nursery essential, the baby cot is also a key piece of furniture in the early years. From its design and style to the practicality of where and how it will be used, it has to be the right fit. It’s also important to consider cot safety standards so that baby, Mum and Dad can rest easy when baby is put to bed.
Paired with a reliable cot mattress, baby’s first bed will see them right through the toddler years. Read on for a list of cot buying tips to help you make the best decision.
What to consider when buying a baby cot
It’s important to take into account a number of factors when choosing baby’s bed, including aesthetics and functionality. Here are some points worth considering when you’re on the hunt for a great baby cot.
Consider your available space. The right cot needs to fit your space well, so taking into account that they carry a great deal in size. Use our handy nursery planning guide to help you on your way.
Make safety a priority. Many of the cots in Australia are made to the highest safety standards. Nevertheless, always double-check that the cot meets Australian Safety Standard AS/NZS 2172-2003.
Choose from fixed or drop-rail sides. Considering a cot with drop rails? Try to select a design that allows for one-handed operation so you can hold your baby in the other arm.
Look for adjustable heights. Cots should have a minimum of two height options. Constantly reaching down for a tiny newborn isn’t fun, plus the added height means baby won’t be able to climb out of the cot.
Sustainability: Look for claims of sustainable manufacturers of natural wood, such as the use of plantation or FSC-certified timber.
Adaptable cots: These make the transition from cot to bed as smooth as possible. A style that doubles as a toddler bed using the same cot mattress gives you a long-lasting sleep solution and provides a familiar environment when transitioning.
OUR PICK OF THE CROP
9 beautiful cots available in Australia
With so many cots in Australia, it’s hard to know where to start, so we asked the HUGE Mum’s Grapevine Facebook community which brands they love. In no particular order, here are the cots they recommend.
Some brands have offered exclusive offers for Mum’s Grapevine readers. These offers may include exclusions and expiry without notice. Please direct all inquiries directly to the linked website.
Mocka
Mocka Aspen Baby Cot ($429.99)
Available in four colour options, Mocka’s Aspen Cot offers modern design at an affordable price. It complies with all Australian standards and comes with fixed sides and an adjustable base that can be lowered or raised depending on your baby’s stage of development.
Stokke
Stokke Sleepi Baby Bed ($1,199)
A timeless Scandi beauty, the Stokke Sleepi Baby Bed features a distinctive oval shape for optimum airflow and functionality. Made in Europe from solid beech wood, it’s suitable for use from birth right up to ten years with a crib extension kit.
Troll
Troll Scandy Cot ($999.95)
A shining light in any nursery, the Scandy Cot is manufactured from European plantation birchwood for strength, sturdiness and eco-friendly benefits. The effortless, Scandinavian-style cot easily converts from a cot to a toddler bed later on.
Linea by Leander
Linea by Leander ($1199.95)
Part of the range from Danish design maven, Stig Leander Nielsen, the Linea cot is an urban twist on the classic contemporary style Leander is known for. Made of solid beech, it has two height settings and easily converts from a cot to a junior bed – and later, a kids’ sofa.
Boori
Boori Perla Cot Bed ($949.95)
Beautifully crafted from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood, the Perla Cot Bed will have baby’s bedtime sorted from birth right through to school age. It has two base heights and removable feet for when you convert to a toddler bed.
Poppy’s Little Treasures
Poppy’s Little Treasures Iluka Cot ($1199)
In a choice of teak or Sunkai wood, the Iluka rattan cot is a statement piece that brings warmth and natural vibes to the nursery. It’s adjustable to two different heights and pairs with a matching change table for a bedroom set that wows.
Leander
Leander Classic Cot ($1,899.95)
Stand-out Danish design and a neutral palette make the Leander cot instantly recognisable. Its soothing curved shape creates a sturdy cocoon for your little caterpillar while its ability to convert to five different configurations offers longevity and convenience.
Tasman Eco
Tasman Eco Eden Compact Cot (from $349.99)
In a choice of two contemporary colour schemes, the Tasman Eco Eden Compact Cot fits in anywhere. Using sustainably sourced Radiata Pine Timber and non-toxic stains, it’s designed to fit through any standard doorway for easy transitions.
Can newborns sleep in cots?
Yes, most cots in Australia are suitable for use from birth, and most come with adjustable heights to allow easy access to your newborn in those early days. If space is an issue, or you’d prefer a more snug environment for your little one, approved co-sleepers and bassinets make other safe options.
How long are babies in cots for?
While there are certainly no rules about how long little ones should stay in a cot, many babies spend at least their first two years sleeping in one. If the cot converts to a junior bed, you could easily get several more years of great use out of it.
Is it OK to buy a second-hand cot?
Yes. However, according to Product Safety Australia, if you are shopping for a used cot, you should ensure that all parts are in excellent working order and that the cot bed comes with full instructions for use. If the cot has drop sides, make sure that the locking mechanism is working perfectly and fit for repeated use.
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Seen a cot that we should add to our list? Contact us and let us know, we’ve been collating Australia’s best baby products into shortlists for over 14 years and we’re always happy to support new brands and businesses.
Find more baby beds and accessories in these roundups …
Read this: Safe sleep tips for setting up a cot
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