The Ultimate Cot Mattress Size Guide
Ask any new parent what they value most and you’re likely to get the same answer: sleep. For both parents and newborns, sleep is a precious commodity that’s often in short supply, but finding the right bedding can be a big help. Whether your baby will sleep in a cot from the start or you’re transitioning away from a bassinet, the size of the cot mattress is as important as the cot itself to ensure everyone gets a good night’s rest.
The mattress must fit the cot well to be safe and secure for your little one, as advised by Red Nose Australia. This means that it should lie perfectly flat with no tilting or elevation and come to within 20mm of the sides of the cot. So how do you know which size mattress is right for your baby’s cot? Let’s take a closer look at typical sizes.
Our Banksia Hardwood Baby Cot with Storage
Different Baby Cot Mattress Sizes in Australia
Cot mattress sizes in Australia are fairly standardised, with two to three options available. Keep in mind that there are no legal requirements for some cot mattress sizes, so you’ll always want to double-check that you’re getting a snug fit for the cot.
Another thing to consider is that the cot mattress sizes mentioned below only account for height and width. In terms of depth (how thick the mattress is), around 100mm is ideal, and 150mm should be the maximum, no matter which style of mattress you have.
Standard Cot Mattress Size
The standard cot mattress size in Australia is 1300 x 690mm with a tolerance of 20mm above or below. Mattresses of these dimensions are suited to full-sized cots like the B2C Aster Hardwood Convertible Baby Cot. One variable you’ll want to consider here is material, which often includes latex like the Innerspring Latex Cot Mattress and foam like the Innercell Deluxe Cot Mattress.
Our Rio Hardwood 2-in-1 Baby Cot
Mini Cot Mattress Size
Depending on parent preference, some babies will sleep in a bassinet for around the first six months of their lives before moving to a cot. While it’s perfectly safe for an infant to sleep in a full-sized cot from birth, a mini cot is a good bassinet-sized alternative.
Mini cots are, as the name suggests, just smaller versions of full-sized cots. There can be some variation, but a typical mini cot mattress size is 1200 x 600mm. Some mini cots are suited to mattresses as small as 1080 x 530mm, so it’s always a good idea to follow the guidelines specific to the cot.
Shaped Baby Cot Mattress Size
Ovals, hearts and perfect circles are a few of the more uncommon shapes you might find for cots. As you might expect, these irregular styles are not standardised and if yours didn’t come with a mattress already, follow the product guidelines closely.
How to Measure Cot Mattress Size (With Dimensions): A Simple Chart
Some cots will include mattresses, while those that don’t will typically include a size recommendation. Where possible, follow the directions of the manufacturer to ensure that your cot mattress fits as it should.
If you’re unsure of the right size or style of cot mattress, refer to the chart above. Remember, when measuring your cot for mattress size, the mattress should be no more than 20mm from the edge of the cot.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cot Mattress Size
Size is just one factor you should consider when looking for cot mattresses. To ensure your baby sleeps safe and sound, look for mattresses with the following qualities.
It Follows Safety Standards
Safety standards are guidelines agreed upon by industry experts, which help to keep consumers safe. The standard AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 details the specific requirements for cot mattress firmness, and it’s one of the most important things to look for when shopping. If your mattress does not adhere to the guidelines in the standard, it might not be safe.
Our Aster Hardwood Convertible Baby Cot
The Fit Is Right
As we’ve mentioned, fit is important to ensure the cot is safe for your baby. Ensure that any mattress comes within 20mm of the edge of the cot while avoiding mattresses that are more than 150mm thick. It’s also important to find a mattress that lies perfectly flat in the cot, so avoid any with uneven surfaces.
Feels Firm to The Touch
It is important, when shopping for a cot mattress, to ensure that it is firm. A firm mattress helps babies stay stable on their backs and avoids the chance of rolling or moving, which can be hazardous for infants. Materials like high-density foam and latex are ideal choices.
The Material is Breathable
Breathable materials like cotton can provide an added level of safety by helping to regulate the temperature of your baby. Room temperatures should ideally be in the range of 20-22 degrees celsius, but breathable materials will help keep your little one cool when the weather warms up.
FAQs
Are all cot mattresses the same size?
Cot mattresses come in a range of sizes and shapes, but there are two main sizes in Australia. Standard cot mattresses are typically 1300 x 690mm, while mini cot mattresses are often 1200 x 600mm. Shaped mattresses, such as oval or heart, are uncommon alternatives with their own individual sizes.
What is a standard cot mattress size in Australia?
Mattresses for Australian cots will typically measure 1300 x 690mm, but it’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
What size cot mattress do I need?
When you buy a cot, it’s likely that the manufacturer will provide a recommended cot mattress size. Otherwise, you can measure the mattress space in the cot, being sure to purchase a mattress that falls within 20mm of the cot’s edge.
What size is a travel cot mattress?
Travel cots (also known as portacots) are smaller than the cot you’ll have at home, perfect for ensuring your baby sleeps soundly on nights away. There is no standard size for travel cots, but somewhere around 1000 x 700mm is typical. As always, follow the recommendation of the manufacturer.
Parenting can be tough, but we’re here to help. Check out our guides on Baby Cot Mattresses, Kids Bed Sizing and Bunk Beds.
