Cot Mattress Dimensions
Cot Mattress Dimensions & Size Guide in Australia
Are you expecting a baby? Congratulations! You will need a cot mattress for your baby. It is the place where they will spend 14 to 18 hours per day.
If you are starting from scratch, you may have already chosen the cot and mattress. In this guide, we will discuss the different cot mattresses sizes available in Australia, and what to look for when purchasing one.
Note that Crib is the same as cot and they are often used interchangeably. The crib is most commonly used in North America and Canada. However, in Australia and Britain, the cot is the preferred choice.
Different Cot Mattress Sizes in Australia
Not all cot mattresses are the same size. Three sizes of cot mattress are very popular in Australia: Standard, Mini, and Shaped. In Australia, the size of cot mattress is not regulated, unlike that of regular mattresses. Some brands may have slightly different sizes.
1. Standard Cot Mattress Dimensions
In Australia, the standard cot mattress size is the most common. It is large enough to accommodate your child’s needs until they are ready for a full-sized bed.
In Australia, a standard cot size is 130 cm x 69cm (51.18″x27.16″) with a tolerance “plus or minus” of 1.5cm (5/8 inch) along the length or width. A standard Australian cot will fit a standard mattress. The standard cot mattress thickness should not exceed 15cm or 6″, with the most common being 4″.
The distance between the mattress frame and the mattress can vary slightly between brands. However, the distance should not exceed 2 cm. Place two fingers between the mattress, and the cot frame to test the fit. If you can squeeze more than two fingertips between the mattress and the cot bed, then the mattress may be too small. This can pose a danger to the baby by suffocation.
2. Mini Cot Mattress Size
A mini cot is a smaller version of a standard cot and is ideal for children who have outgrown a bassinet or Moses Basket. The mattress that comes with most mini cots is often too thin or uncomfortable.
There is no standard size for mini cot mattresses in Australia or anywhere else, but they usually measure 120 x 60cm (47.24″ x 23.62″)
Mini cots can be smaller, cheaper and more compact than standard-sized cots. They are ideal for small spaces. This is a great option for sharing a space with your baby and if you’re also sharing a room. These mattresses are also portable and easy to move from one room to another. Baby’s outgrown cot mattresses after 18 months. They can still use standard cot mattresses until three or four years of age.
3. Shaped Crib Mattress Size
Shaped cot mattress can come in a variety of shapes, including circular, oval or moon-shaped. If you want something special or fancy, these are the perfect options. There is no standard or regulation regarding the size of the shaped cribs. Therefore, these mattresses are usually sold with the cot.
What else to consider when Buying a Cot Mattress
Please note that while we are happy to provide educational information, it is not intended to replace the medical advice of a qualified professional. If you have any concerns about your child’s sleep habits, please consult a physician.
Here are a few other things you should think about before you make your purchase.
1) Safety Standards
We know that your priority is to ensure the safety of your child while he or she sleeps. Australia and New Zealand both have regulations that confirm the safety of a child’s crib. A safe cot has a firm, single mattress that is fitted snugly into the cot. It also lays flat. It is not safe if there is more space than 20mm between the edge (on all sides) of the mattress and the frame. The mattress should be replaced by a larger one. The mattress should be replaced if it is not flat or has any elevations. Safety standards are designed to reduce the risk of infants being injured or killed by falls, clothing entrapment and entrapment.
2) Firmness
It may be tempting to choose a softer mattress, but it can pose a risk to your newborn. Sudden infant death syndrome is an unexpected death that occurs in babies under one year old. It is often caused by poor breathing, usually while they are sleeping, and is also known as “crib-death”. If your mattress is too soft, it can cause infants to rebreathe, which means they don’t get enough oxygen.
If the mattress springs back into place immediately, it is firm. If the mattress takes a little longer to return to its original position, your mattress is likely too soft and should be replaced with a firmer model. The mattress will spring back into position if it immediately returns to its original place. If not, the mattress is too soft and needs to be replaced by a firmer one.
3) Breathability
Safety standards are also taken into consideration when mattresses are made from breathable materials. These mattresses are made from breathable materials, which can reduce the risk for SIDS and prevent your baby getting too hot at night. The ideal temperature for a baby to sleep at is between 20 and 22. Wool or organic cotton are the best materials for breathable clothing.
4) Size
Sizing is also important for safety, as we have discussed. A mattress that is too loose or has a large gap between its edge and the frame of the cot increases the risk of being trapped. A mattress that is well-fitting but made of soft foam, or with flexible inner springs may not be large enough when your child goes to bed.
The mattress should not be more than 20mm from the edge to the cot. If you can see more than two finger widths between the mattress edge and the cot then the mattress is not fitting and needs to be replaced.
Wrapping up
You can now use your new knowledge to confidently buy the best cot mattress for your child that is comfortable and safe. Check out our top picks for cot mattresses in Australia by clicking here.
This article is a great resource to help you better understand cot mattress sizes in Australia. It will also give you all the information that you need before purchasing a cot. Please leave a comment if you have any questions, or if you would like to share with us your experience!