What to look for when buying baby's first cot

Planning your baby's nursery is one of the most exciting pregnancy milestones. The opportunity to create a special space for your little one to grow, and for you to bond and learn about each other.

But nursery planning can also feel overwhelming. Budget stress, decision fatigue, and confusing advice from well-meaning family members or the baby industry can make it hard to know what's actually essential.

One thing is non-negotiable: your baby needs a safe, well-made cot for their nursery. Whether you're planning to use it from day one or will eventually transition to it from a bassinet or co-sleeper, knowing what to look for when buying a baby cot will make life easier for both naps and nighttime.

Whether buying new, buying secondhand or receiving a pre-loved hand-me-down, here is our ultimate guide to choosing your first baby cot.

Nine essential features to look for in a baby cot

1. Choose a cot with an adjustable mattress base

An adjustable base means the cot mattress can be set at different height levels. Setting the cot at an upper (or higher) cot level for a newborn baby makes it easier to place baby down to sleep, settle them in the cot, and pick them up. Trust us, in the early months you will be doing a lot of picking up and putting down! Your back will thank you for buying a cot with the ability to raise the mattress.

At the newborn age, because baby doesn't have the gross motor skills or mobility to climb out of the cot, it is safe to have the mattress at the highest level. As baby grows, for safety, the mattress base needs to be lowered to its lowest position once baby shows signs of sitting up independently. The cot will then stay at this this position until they graduate to a toddler bed or big bed, after 2 years of age.

Note that many manufacturers add a drop-side to their cots, to assist parents in getting baby in and out of the cot. This design feature does not meet safety standards in the USA, and we recommend parents use their own discretion when deciding if this feature is appropriate for their family or not.

2. Look for airflow on all sides of the cot (including the base) and good visibility

Choose a cot that allows for airflow on all four sides — not just open sides, but also a breathable base. Good airflow reduces the risk of overheating and suffocation.

Whilst many cots these days feature solid end panels for aesthetics, a cot that has open airflow on all sides provides an additional safety and keeps fresh air flowing through the space during sleep.

A cot that has open bars on all sides also gives you better sight-lines when checking in on your baby during sleep, either through the doorway of their room, or through the baby monitor.

You want to ensure that the bars are evenly spaced, ensuring no head, limb or finger entrapment. There should be a maximum of 5–9cm gap between each bar.

Finally, ensure the base also has proper airflow to prevent mildew and mould from building up underneath the mattress, and improve airflow into the mattress.

Both our Lyra and Skye Cots meet these requirements.

3. Measure your room space before buying a cot to make sure it will fit

Don’t assume your cot will fit your room; even standard cots can vary in size due to features, like the curved bars on our Skye cot.

If space is at a premium in your house, you may want to look at compact cots as an alternative. Ensure there is enough space to place the cot away from any strangulation or electrical hazards, and that you have easy access to it.

If you plan on moving the cot from room to room, check that your doorways are wide enough to fit your desired cot through, or that the cot can easily be disassembled and reassembled.

In summary, things to check:

• Room space vs. cot dimensions (including clearance for access)
• Safe placement away from cords, curtains and outlets
• Door width if you plan to move the cot between rooms
• Whether the cot can be disassembled for easy transport

4. Check the cot is certified to the safety standards in your region

All baby cots are required to undergo rigorous testing to safety standards before they are allowed on the market. Different regions have different standards, so it is important to check the certifications on the cot you plan to buy.

• Australia/NZ: AS/NZS 2172:2013
• Europe: EN716-1:2017 + AC:2019 & EN 716-2:2017
• UK: BS EN716-1:2017
• USA: ASTM F1169-19

5. Check for ergonomic features that will make life easier

You will spend countless hours in the first 2 years of your little one's life in and around the cot, so make sure it works for you as well as your baby. We suggest looking out for things like:

• Height and extenders — How high is the cot, and does the cot come with height extenders for tall parents?
• Lockable castor wheels for mobility — Does it come with castor wheels for movability, if you plan to move it from room to room during the day?
• Multiple levels for ergonomic lifting — Does it come with different base levels to support baby as they grow, and make it easier for the you to get baby in and out of the cot?
• Bend-AssistTM Railing — Are the sides curved and gentle as you as you bend over to settle baby?
• Easy assembly/disassembly — If you plan on moving house or bedrooms, is the cot easy to disassemble and reassemble?

6. Does the cot come with a mattress?

Most cots are sold without a mattress, so always confirm with your retailer.

If you are purchasing a new mattress separately:

• The mattress must fit snugly for safety (no more than 2cm gap around edges, between the mattress and the cot side)
• Look for firm, non-toxic foam or innerspring, with:

  • Low VOC emissions (volatile organic compounds)

  • Flippable design (i.e. suitable for sleeping on both sides)

  • Protected with anti-bacterial Health Guard treatment for protection against dust mites, bacteria and moulds

If you are purchasing a second hand cot, we recommend buying a new mattress to go with it.

A well made cot mattress will see you through the first 3–4 years of your baby's life, and can be saved and used for another child when stored correctly.

7. Choose a cot made of natural materials with non-toxic finishes

Babies explore with their mouths — especially when teething, when chewing on the edges of their cot can provide them with relief. Ensure your chosen cot uses a non-toxic finishing material (e.g. a lacquer). Cots made from timber are also sturdier, and tend to last longer than other man-made materials, making them suitable to pass down over the years.

Call us biased, but we love the warm and organic aesthetic of FSC-Certified timber in a nursery!

8. Check for any sharp hazards in the shape or materials — especially if buying second-hand

Ensure there are no splinters in the wood, chipped paint exposing toxic layers underneath, missing bars, cracked base or bars, loose or missing screws, stickers that could peel off, or other hazards that may pose a risk during sleep.

We recommend choosing a cot with rounded edges for safety from boisterous toddlers who may run into the corner of the cot!

9. Consider a cot that converts into a toddler bed

While not a dealbreaker, a cot that converts into a toddler bed (to help the big-bed transition) is a handy feature to support growing families.

Check whether your cot comes with a conversion kit to toddler bed, which generally means a toddler sideguard rail will be included with the cot, or sold separately as an add-on.

If you are converting your cot, it's important to only use the matching sideguard rail provided by the manufacturer. If you are buying secondhand, ask the seller if the cot comes with a toddler bed kit, and make sure the screws are provided!

For safety, do not put a toddler younger than 2 years in a toddler bed or big bed.

We understand that choosing your baby's first cot can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on safety, comfort and practicality, you’ll be able to pick a cot that supports your baby’s sleep (and your peace of mind). Whether you’re buying new, secondhand or handed down, keeping these key features in mind will help you make a confident, informed choice.

Ready to start shopping? Explore our range of thoughtfully designed, safety-certified baby cots.