There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hitting bed after a long day. It’s cosy. It’s comfy. It’s a place of rest. We know a good bed is worth its weight in gold and it’s the same for your baby’s cot.

When it comes to choosing the right cot for your little one, there are a few things to consider. While a cot can’t guarantee a good night’s sleep, it can certainly help make bub feel comfortable. The first question we’re often asked from first time parents doing their baby shop is if they need a cot or a bassinet. The short answer: It’s a personal choice. 

What are the differences between cots and bassinets?

We’ve written about why bassinets are a great option, but generally, there are two key things to consider when deciding between a cot and bassinet. A bassinet is smaller in size and generally can only be used until your newborn starts showing signs of being able to roll (usually this is around four months but will differ for every baby). Once your bub starts showing signs of being able to roll, you’ll need to transition to cot sleeping.

Therefore, bassinets have a shorter product life span. But parents really like them as they are more compact in size compared to cots and much easier to get your newborn in and out of them.

On the other hand, cots have a longer product life span and can be used from when your child is a newborn until they’re around 2-3 years of age (just check the specific product details of the cot you’re considering). Cots are larger than bassinets, so be sure to measure its dimensions to make sure you have enough space in your bedroom to keep one. Red Nose recommends your baby sleep in the same room as you for the first 6-12 months.

Some cots on the market also convert into a toddler bed, which is a great option to get more longevity out of our baby products and allows you to use it for several years. If you prefer to invest in one sleeping product for your bub instead of two, then you might skip purchasing a bassinet and go straight for a cot.

What to consider when shopping for a cot? 

Safety: Make sure your cot complies with the mandatory Australia safety standards. You also want a firm, flat mattress. Red Nose has this helpful guide of what to look for here. 

Size: Check the size of the cot and see if you have the space for it at home. Cots are typically larger and bulkier than bassinets, so will take up more floorspace. In a nursery this usually isn’t a problem but as it’s recommended your bub sleep in the same room as you for the first 6-12 months, you’ll want to measure the cot dimensions to ensure it fits in your room.

Breathability zones: Ensure the cot you choose has good breathability zones to promote airflow on all four sides.

Casters: If you plan to or want the flexibility to move your cot around the house, casters will make this a whole lot easier! Unlike bassinets, which are fairly portable and some designed to even be lightweight, a cot is not the easiest piece of furniture to move.

Adjustable mattress height options: This is a good option especially if you plan to use your cot for a newborn. Being able to adjust the mattress height for a newborn will make it easier for you to get bub in and out of the cot with having too lean in too far, which is especially helpful if you’re recovering from birth or are prone to back issues. (Note: Once bub starts showing signs of being able to roll over, you’ll have to lower the mattress height.)

Convertible: If you want to extend the lifespan of your cot, you could consider purchasing one that converts into a toddler bed. This will give you a few extra miles out of your cot. (Note: Typically convertible cots come with bed attachments that you have to buy separately. Make sure you check the cot you are interested in to see if there are additional charges for these pieces and kits, also with most cots a mattress will also need to be purchased separately.)

To find out the best cots in Australian in 2023, we surveyed our TBE community of parents to find out which ones they used, loved and would recommend. Here are the results:

 

1: Mocka Aspen   

Score: 8.8/10
Price: $399.95 
Purchase here

The Mocka Aspen also convents from cot to toddler bed (using the conversion kit which you buy separately). The Aspen also integrates a contemporary, Scandi-style design that’s timeless and will suit any nursery setting. This cot also features an adjustable base height that you can change based on your child’s development stages.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Parents like the flexibility of the adjustable base height

• Parents liked the contemporary design of the Aspen

• Some taller parents found the cot to be a little low

• Some parents noticed the paint chipped easily

• Parents felt this cot had good breathability zones

2: IKEA Sniglar

Score: 8.6/10
Price: $199.00
Purchase here

This stylish and sustainable cot is made from renewable natural wood that’s hard wearing and durable. The Sniglar features IKEA’s signature Scandinavian design that is simple, but a timeless classic you know will still look good in years to come. Once bub is big enough to climb in and out of bed, one of the sides of the cot can be removed. As with most cots, you’ll need to purchase the cot mattress separately.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Good value for money

• Easy to use

• Easy to get bub in and out of

• Parents likes the minimal, Scandi-style

• Some parents through it was tricky to change the mattress height

• Some parents thought it was tricky to assembly

• Some parents would’ve preferred if there were more height adjustments with side bars

3: Boori Alice Cot Bed 

Score: 8.6/10
Price: $529 each
Purchase here

Boori’s range of stylish, contemporary nursery furniture was a hit among our surveyed parents but it was their Alice Cot Bed that came in at the top. The Alice is a popular choice among first time parents because it converts from cot to toddler bed, so you’ll get many years usage of out of this product. The Alice comes with two height levels, one for newborns that makes reaching for them easier and a lower level for when your bub can pull themselves up. As with most cots on the market, including this one, you will need to purchase the cot mattress separately.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Parents liked that this product was long lasting and converts from cot to toddler bed

• A pricey option but parents felt the quality of materials used were good value for money

• The two height levels were super convenient, especially the newborn height which was particularly useful after reaching for bub while recovering from birth

• Easy to assemble

• Cot felt sturdy

4: Boori Turin Cot Bed   

Score: 8.4/10
Price: $659.95 
Purchase here

If you’re looking for a cot that will seamlessly integrate into your nursery interior then the Boori Turin Cot Bed might be for you. This dual-toned cot is made using Australian and New Zealand timber and features sleek rounded corners. The Turin is available in a variety of timber and paint shades, so you’ll have no trouble matching it to your nursery theme. This cot also transitions into a toddler bed so the product life span is well worth the investment.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• This cot has two base heights, a higher base for easy newborn access and a lower height for when bub can pull themselves up

• Parents found this cot easy to assemble but noted the cot itself is fairly wide and will not fit through a door once assembled

• Parents loved the dual-tone paint feature and contemporary design

• Cot is a little bit pricey compared to others on the market

5: Tasman Eco Capri 

Score: 8/10
Price: $599.99
Purchase here

The Capri cot by Tasman Eco is a timeless nursery piece that will suit any interior setting. This cot has a drop-down side and an adjustable base height level. You can set the base height level in ‘bassinet’ mode which is higher and makes getting newborns in and out of the cot easier. Once bub can pull themselves up you can then lower the base height. The Capri also converts into a toddler bed.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Parents liked the drop down side

• Parents also liked the adjustable base height of the Aspen

• Some parents felt it was hard to get bub in and out of the cot on the lowest base height setting

• Some parents felt the drop side was difficult to lower and raise

6: Incy Ellie Cot  

Score: 7.9/10
Price: $1,099.00
Purchase here

Incy Interiors is known for their statement children’s and baby furniture that really focuses on sleek, contemporary design. A piece from Incy Interiors will grow with your child in both style and functionality, especially with the Ellie cot which also transitions into a toddler bed (with a conversion kit you can purchase separately). This cot also has two base height levels for newborns and when your child can pull themselves up.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Parents loved the unique design of the Ellie cot, particularly the rose gold finish

• Cot comes with two base heights for newborns and when bub can pull themselves up

• Parents liked that this cot grows with the child and can convert into a toddler bed

• Some parents found the high rails made it occasionally tricky to put their bub into the cot

• This cot was at the upper end of the scale in terms of price but parents felt overall the Ellie cot was good value

 

This is general information only. If you need personal, health, medical or technical advice when it comes to your growing family, please seek out a professional.

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