Baby Cots
As your newborns grow and get closer to being energetic toddlers, changing the bassinet in the nursery to a baby cot becomes more important. Designed to ensure safe, secure, and comfortable sleep, our selection of baby cots from trusted brands like Boori, Jengo, and Grotime allow parents to relax while their tiny bubs slumber.
Baby Cots and Bassinets: What’s the difference?
While cots, beds, and bassinets all fall under the general category of baby beds, there are small differences between the design of the three. Baby cots are larger, making them more suitable for older infants to toddlers. Meanwhile, bassinets are often smaller and more portable, designed for newborns and infants up to 6 months of age. A toddler bed is a small bed designed specifically for toddlers who have outgrown their cots.
Types of Baby Cots
There are several types of cots available on the market today, ranging from a variety of shapes and materials. Among these, there are three common that you might consider:
Travel and Portable Cots
Travel cots such as the Childcare Indi 3-In-1 Travel Cot are designed to be easily foldable and portable. For this reason, that are also called portable cots or portacots. Most travel baby cots are kept in a purpose-built bag, allowing for easy transport in vehicles such as cars. The majority of travel cots feature a mesh-sided frame made of either plastic or metal and may include wheels or castors in the design. Travel cots are also usually compact cots because of the way they’re designed, so it’s a great space-saving choice.
Dropside Baby Cots
Designed for ease of access, dropside baby cots have one side that slides up or down. This lessens the need for parents to stretch too far when navigating the cot. When using a dropside baby cot, make sure that you remember to raise the dropside once you've tucked your little one in, and ensure the cot complies with all relevant product safety standard to help avoid any accidents or injuries.
Convertible Baby Cot
Convertible baby cots are a great option if you’re looking for long-term use. Many convertible cots transform from bassinets to cots to a toddler bed. If you have a bub that values familiarity, then this is one of the ways to go.
How to Transition from Bassinets to Baby Cots
The important thing to remember when transitioning your baby to a cot is to start slowly. Your young ones need to be accustomed to the feeling of being in a new sleeping space, so avoid abruptly moving them during the transition phase.
For a few weeks, let the baby take naps throughout the day in the new cot before moving them into the cot for a full night's sleep. After a few weeks, you can gradually allow the baby to spend most of their time in the new cot. If you’re extra worried and have the extra space, you can set the cot in your room to help your baby get used to the feeling before transitioning the cot into the nursery.
How to Ensure Comfortable Sleep for Your Baby While in a Cot
A safe and soothing environment is key when navigating around sleep and your baby. This principle applies to sleep in a cot too. Creating a relaxing environment allows your little one to achieve a good night’s rest more easily.
Some ideas you can try include:
- Dimming the lights and ensuring that nap times are free of disturbing noises
- Ensuring warmth and coziness with welcoming cot sheets for your little one
- Using a white noise or sound machine to help create a soothing environment
- Avoiding any accidents by getting rid of overhanging mobiles, pillows, loose bedding, toys, and other potential hazards
Cot Safety Standards
Most furniture, including baby cots, must meet product safety standards. When buying a cot–whether it be brand new or secondhand–ensure that your furniture follows these standards. Any cot that doesn’t meet these standards could pose a risk for you and your little one.
Cot safety standards differ for each type. You may read the full descriptions for each type here.