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Cot Finder: How to find the right cot for your baby
We’ll help you choose the perfect cot to keep your baby safe and comfortable.
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Best Rated Cot Brand: Boori
A great cot can make a big difference, and this year, Australians have voted Boori as the best cot brand. It was top rated for safety, design and ease of assembly, and it was also recommended by 92% of Aussies.
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Quick facts about cots:
- Australia has mandatory safety requirements for cots to help prevent accidents and injuries.
- There are several different types of cots available including convertible and portable options.
- Prices range from around $120 to $1,500, depending on the brand, model and range of features.
Bassinets vs cots
If you're unsure whether to purchase a cot for your newborn right away, or invest in a bassinet for your baby's first few months, read on to compare your options.
| Type | Suitable for | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Bassinet |
|
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| Cot |
|
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Here are the pros and cons of purchasing a bassinet first:
Pros
- Easier access to your baby, allowing for co-sleeping (shown to reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) together in your bedroom.
- Smaller, lighter and more portable.
- Easier to place your baby into from a sitting position.
- Often comes with a hood or cover for convenient nap time.
Cons
- Your baby will quickly outgrow it.
- Not as cost-effective for a maximum six month purchase.
- Some babies might prefer a cot, and dislike the closeness of a bassinet.
Cot types
There are four main types of cots: drop side, fixed side, portacots and convertible cots.
- Drop side. Drop side cots let you lower one or both sides of the cot. While this makes it easier to place your baby into the cot and control it with one hand, there have been serious safety issues with drop-side models causing infant injuries and several deaths. This has even resulted in their ban in the United States and strict European regulations are in place. If you're still interested in picking a drop side model, ensure that the drop sides can be locked in lower and upper positions, and when lowered, the sides should be a minimum of 5 cm above the ground.
- Fixed side. Fixed side cots are permanently in position and can't be lowered. These are generally less of a safety risk compared to drop side models.< li>
- Convertible cots. Also known as junior bed conversion or cotbeds, convertible cots have removable sides and a removable end panel that allow conversion from a cot to a toddler bed when your baby outgrows it.
- Portable cots. For those with a small space, who travel or don't use a cot frequently, portable cots are easy to move around and can be folded up easily. However, a portable cot is not a good replacement for a standard cot and the range of designs available is limited. Check that the wheel type is suitable for your flooring to avoid scratching any surfaces.
How to compare cots
When looking for a cot for your little one, consider the following key features:
Safety requirements
While all models sold should be certified under the mandatory Australian Safety Standard AS/NZS 2172, ensure you check that your cot complies with these guidelines before purchase.
Ease of assembly and use
When assembling, ensure that you can permanently fix or secure all cot components. Dropside models should be sturdy, light enough to lift and smooth to operate.
Size
Check that the cot can fit comfortably in your nursery, bedroom and through doorways when you need to move it. You might need extra room to fit a change table or feeding chair.
Castors
Wheels that attach to the cot are easier to manoeuvre. Opt for a model with lockable brakes that has a minimum of two wheels.
Eco-friendly
For those who prefer picking a sustainable product, check for the FSC-certified label on cots that are made of timber and support sustainable plantation use.
Sleep aids, mobiles and canopies
To help provide your baby with a restful sleep, you may want to consider a model with extras such as sleep aids, decorative mobiles and a canopy that's convenient for naps throughout the day.
Are second hand cots safe?
While using an old cot saves money and is more eco-friendly, it can come with serious safety risks. Mandatory safety standards were only put into place in 1998 and not every cot may be compliant, so it's likely that an old cot would not meet current safety standards. Before using a second hand cot, check the safety requirements above [link to safety section], and assembly and use instructions.
It's also important that the mattress fits correctly. Beware that cots made or repainted before 1970 could include toxic lead paint. If you're unsure whether lead paint has been used, strip and repaint the entire cot.
Best rated cot brand award breakdown
| Total Score | Overall rating | Value for Money | Design | Ease of assembly | Safety | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boori | 8.36 | 4.62 | 4.24 | 4.56 | 4.5 | 4.52 |
| Other | 8.31 | 4.51 | 4.49 | 4.65 | 4.32 | 4.46 |
| Tasman Eco | 8.18 | 4.55 | 4.41 | 4.5 | 4.32 | 4.5 |
| IKEA | 8.04 | 4.39 | 4.45 | 4.27 | 4.24 | 4.35 |
| Love N Care | 7.96 | 4.38 | 4.41 | 4.21 | 4.03 | 4.15 |
| Kmart | 7.83 | 4.32 | 4.34 | 4.18 | 4.16 | 4.2 |
| Cocoon (Aldi) | 7.4 | 3.95 | 4.1 | 3.95 | 4.05 | 4.1 |
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. 
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