With so many cot options available, how do you choose the right one? Aside from choosing a cot that meets the NZ/AU safety standard, there are a few things to consider. To make it easier, we've answered some common questions to help you decide which features are best for you plus a comparison chart to show you our best-selling cots side by side.
Cot Comparison Chart
What should I consider when choosing a cot for my baby's Nursery?
SAFETY
- Does it meet the NZ / AU Safety Standard for Household Cots?
- Are the finishes non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals?
- Do the gaps meet safe spacing requirements?
SIZE
- What is the size of the cot?
- Will it fit in the Nursery and could it fit in your room initially (if not using a bassinet)?
- What mattress size fits?
- Will it fit through doors (if it needs to be moved)?
ADJUSTABILITY & LONGEVITY
- Is the base height adjustable (bassinet & cot height)
- What is the age range and weight limit?
- Does it convert to a toddler bed / day bed?
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- How easy is it to assemble?
- Does it come with a mattress?
- How do I clean the cot?
- What is the cot made from?
Cot Comparison
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| Frank 4 in 1 Cot with Toddler Conversion Kit | Frank Cot Mini 4 in 1 with Toddler Conversion Kit | Lyra Convertible Beechwood Cot | BabyRest Dixie Folding Cot | Cariboo George Cot | Classic Cot | |
| | | | | | | |
| Safe from | Newborn | Newborn | Newborn | Newborn | Newborn | Newborn |
| Outer Dimensions | 73 (W) x 136 (L) x 87cm (total height) | 66cm (W) x 100cm (L) x 85cm (total height) | 74.2cm (W) x 134.2cm (L) x 82.4cm (high) | 107cm (W) x 168cm (L) x 25cm (high) | 75.5cm (W) x 137cm (L) x 93cm (high) | 74cm (W) x 135cm (L) x 85cm (H) |
| Mattress Size Recommended | 69 (W) x 130 (L) Max depth 12cm | 60cm (W) x 94cm (L) Max depth 12cm | 69 (w) x 130 (L) Max depth 12cm | 69cm (W) x 132cm (L) x 10cm (high) | 69cm (W) x 130cm (L) | 69 (w) x 130 (L) Max depth 12cm |
| Weight limit (user weight) | 35kg | 35kg | | | ||
| Drop sides | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Bassinet Height Setting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cot Height Setting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toddler Conversion | Yes with side rail (included) or day bed style. | Yes with side rail (included) or day bed style. | Yes - guard rail included | No | Yes, but sold separately | No |
| Made from | NZ Pine | NZ Pine | FSC Certified Nautral Beechwood | Sustainably sourced Malaysian Oak | Ethically sourced Oak | NZ Pine |
| Base Type | Slatted | Slatted | Slatted | Slatted | Slatted | Slatted |
| Wheels | No | Yes - optional castor wheels included | Yes - optional castor wheels included | Yes - swivel wheels | No | No |
| Why we love it | A solid cot, which is excellent value for money over the long term. | Perfect for smaller rooms or room sharing, that will last through to toddlerhood. | A solid, good quality option. | A great option for a solid cot which can be used from time to time. | A solid, stylish cot that will last. | A simple, great value for money option with a clean, modern look. |
| Shop Now |
Safety - Does the cot meet NZ safety standards?
Many cots sold in New Zealand are designed to meet Australian/New Zealand safety standards (AS/NZS 2172:2003), but it’s always worth checking before you buy. This gives peace of mind that the cot has been made with safe spacing, strong materials, and baby-safe design features in mind.
The regulations cover requirements such as spacing between bars, railings & the floor as well as the cot's structure and design. It also ensures new cots come with clear & complete assembly and maintenance instructions. The standard includes many other points to ensure a safe cot for your little one.
Size - What size is the cot?
It's not just the exact size of the cot you need to check, but also the size of the room where the cot will be and how you will use it. For example, if you're using a bassinet for baby's first few months and the main cot will only be in a Nursery, it's likely you can afford a cot with a bit more space. If you're using the cot alongside your bed initially, you may want to choose a smaller, compact cot. A smaller, slimmer design may give you that little bit of extra space.
Another size consideration is the width - do you need to move the cot around at all? Or will it be permanently in the Nursery? A slimmer cot that can fit easily through doorways and that ideally has wheels will make it easier for you to move between rooms.
You also need to check the mattress size as any gap between the mattress and the cot should be no more than 5mm around each side to help keep baby safe.
Adjustability & Longevity - Is the cot adjustable as your baby grows?
Most parents find the convenience of having a bassinet with a height setting saves their backs in the first few months. It's easier to lift a newborn in and out of a higher base setting than the lower setting. Once baby is sitting up and more mobile, the base setting will need to be lowered for safety.
Some cots can convert to a toddler bed (with rail) or a day bed stay (no rail), so consider how long you may want to use the cot and whether you want to use it beyond the first couple of years. Even though a convertible cot may cost more intially, it may be a better value long term.
Other considerations
Whilst you may be going for a certain look for your Nursery, it's also important to consider what materials the cot is made of and the finishes. Babies explore the world with their hands and mouths, so choose finishes that are safe for babies. Then choose a material that is both durable and matches your style, whether it's solid wood, engineered wood or metal. You may also want to consider if that wood has been sustainably sourced.
Why don't you have drop side cots?
We choose fixed side cots because they are safer than drop side cots. Over time, the most common fault with a cot is the failure of the drop-side mechanism. Children can fall from the cot or become trapped when the drop side fails. Whilst drop side cots are not banned in NZ, they have been illegal to manufacture, sell or distribute in America since 2013.