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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.
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 |
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Bassinet |
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Cot |
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Here are the pros and cons of purchasing a bassinet first:
There are four main types of cots: drop side, fixed side, portacots and convertible cots.
When looking for a cot for your little one, consider the following key features:
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.
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.
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.
Wheels that attach to the cot are easier to manoeuvre. Opt for a model with lockable brakes that has a minimum of two wheels.
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.
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.
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.
Overall rating | Value for money | Design | Ease of assembly | Safety | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boori | 4.62 | 4.24 | 4.56 | 4.5 | 4.52 |
Cocoon (Aldi) | 3.95 | 4.1 | 3.95 | 4.05 | 4.1 |
IKEA | 4.39 | 4.45 | 4.27 | 4.24 | 4.35 |
Kmart | 4.32 | 4.34 | 4.18 | 4.16 | 4.2 |
Love N Care | 4.38 | 4.41 | 4.21 | 4.03 | 4.15 |
Tasman Eco | 4.55 | 4.41 | 4.5 | 4.32 | 4.5 |
Other | 4.51 | 4.49 | 4.65 | 4.32 | 4.46 |
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