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 such as the Oricom Sound Soother with Night Light OLS 100 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to move babies to a cot?

It’s generally recommended to move your babies to a cot at around six months of age. Keep in mind your little one’s development and disposition, though, as each baby is different.

Is it worth buying a cot?

Cots provide a safe and comfortable space for your little ones, especially when they start to move, roll, and sit. It’s a good investment to make and is something you can use once more should you decide to have more children.

Can babies sleep in a cot from birth?

Yes, newborns can sleep in a cot. In fact, with the proper precautions, it’s one of the safest places for a newborn to sleep in!

Are cots safe for newborns?

Yes, cots are generally safe for newborns so long as parents take the proper precautions. Generally, it’s best to place the cot in the same room you sleep in until the baby reaches six months.

How long do babies sleep in cots?

This entirely depends on your baby’s sleeping schedule. Newborns generally sleep around 12-16 hours each day, divided among 20-50 minute sleeping cycles. Older babies and toddlers may have 2 to 3 naptimes throughout the day, and hopefully sleep through the night.

How to keep babies warm in a cot?

To ensure that your baby is warm in their sleep, here are a few simple steps you can take:

Dress your baby in warm clothes that are appropriate to the temperature or weather.
Use comfortable and fitted sheets for your cot mattress.
Warm up the room with a space heater beforehand if available and necessary.

How do you stop babies from chewing on their cots?

When your little one begins teething, you may find them biting on cot railings to find relief. As common as this is, it is understandable to worry about it. Parents may use teething rails or purpose-designed covers on cots to prevent their little ones from chewing on them.

Baby Cots

Bubba Bump Bamboo Muslin Wrap - Buttercup

Artiss PU Leather Armchair and Ottoman - Black

Maxi-Cosi Nero Convertible Car Seat Midnight

Mamas & Papas Libro Stroller - Liquorice

Snugtime Sneaker - Grey

Maxi-Cosi Nero Convertible Car Seat Onyx

Infasecure Assure 0 To 8 Years Car Seat Grey

Bubba Bump Winter Knit Blanket - Oatmeal

Britax Safe N Sound Graphene Easy Adjust Ifix+ Car Seat Black Opal

Il Tutto Cozee Breeze Lite Bassinet Ecru

Britax Safe N Sound Brava Black

Joie Armour Car Seat Lagoon

Britax Safe N Sound Maxi Guard Black

Infasecure Velocity Caprice 0 To 4 Years Car Seat Stripe

Joie Excursion Change & Bounce Portacot

Britax Safe N Sound B-First Ifix+ Convertible Car Seat Black Opal

Britax Safe N Sound B-Grow ClickTight+ Car Seat Black Opal

Britax Safe N Sound B-Compaq Ifix+ Car Seat Black Opal

Maxi-Cosi Mico 6 Infant Capsule Black (Non Isofix)

4Baby Glider Chair & Ottoman Jordan Black

Maxi-Cosi Pria Convertible Car Seat Onyx

Joie Roomie Glide Bedside Sleeper - Starry Nights

Maxi-Cosi Zelia 3 Essential Graphite

Mothers Choice Infinity 0-8 Years Car Seat Black Sky

Britax Safe N Sound Maxi Guard Pro+ Car Seat Black Opal

Boori Koto Cot V22 Barley White/Almond

Bugaboo Butterfly - Black/Midnight Black

Maxi-Cosi Halo 360 Convertible Car Seat Onyx

Joie Chrome™ DLX Stroller and Carry Cot Bundle – Pavement

Bugaboo Stardust Plus Portacot Black

Bugaboo Turtle By Nuna Capsule + Base - Black

Boori Classic Cot Barley

Maxi-Cosi Zelia 3 Essential Black

Britax Safe N Sound B-Pod Lite Capsule Black

Jengo Strand Pram And Bassinet- Moon

Jengo Panorama XTI Pram And Bassinet Leaf

Easywalker Jimmey Pram - Sand Taupe

Childcare Vogue Lite M II Stroller Black

Joie Asset Spin 360 Car Seat Shale

Artiss Rocking Feeding Armchair - Beige

Maxi-Cosi Pria Convertible Car Seat Midnight

Bugaboo Stardust Plus Portacot Desert Taupe

Maxi Cosi Cassia Swing Beyond Graphite

Tommee Tippee Double Electric Breast Pump Gen2

Maxi-Cosi Mico 6 Infant Capsule Black (ISOFIX)

Jengo Oakleigh Sleeper Bassinet Grey

Maxi Cosi Cassia Swing Beyond Grey

Britax Safe N Sound Kid Guard Black