Baby Cots

Creating Your Baby’s First Sleep Space

From carefully selecting the furniture to adding the finishing touches, there’s something special about seeing your baby’s nursery take shape. Their cot will be one of the most important pieces in the room, giving them a cosy spot for naps and bedtime. At Kiddie Country, our baby cots and cribs collection gives you plenty of beautiful options to choose from as you get their nursery ready for their arrival.

How to Choose the Right Cot for Your Baby

With so many baby cot styles and features to choose from, we’ve put together this guide to help make choosing one a bit easier:

- Look for safety features

Safety is the first thing to look at when choosing cots. While we only carry baby-safe options, the specific standards and certifications can vary by model, so check the safety information for the cot you’re considering.

• Look for cots that conform to the Australian safety standard AS/NZS 2172, which sets requirements for the design, construction and safety of household cots.
• Use the mattress size recommended for your cot and make sure it fits securely within the cot frame.
• Keep the sleep space clear of loose items and accessories, and use a firm, flat mattress.

- Make those early days easier

Once you’re home with your new baby, you’ll quickly notice how much the little things can make those early days easier. Here are a few cot features worth looking for:

• Look for cots with multiple mattress heights that let you set it to a higher position when your baby is small, and lower it as they become more mobile.
• A dropside can make it easier to reach in and lift your baby, depending on the cot design.
• Open-ended or open-sided designs can give you a clearer view of your baby while allowing airflow around the cot.

- Choose a crib made for long-term use

Some baby cots are designed to grow with your child, giving you more use from the same piece of furniture. Boori Cot, for example, offers cribs that convert to toddler or cot beds, making it a practical choice if you’d like their first bed to last a little longer.

- Find the right fit for the home

Think about your nursery space and how you’d like the cot to work as your family grows. Our range includes a mix of classic, contemporary and Scandinavian designs, like the Leander cots, so you don’t have to choose between practicality and looks.

Find Your Favourite Cot Brands in Armadale

At Kiddie Country, we’ve brought together baby cots and cribs from brands with different approaches to nursery design, so you can find a style that feels right for your little one’s space.

• Leander - Scandinavian-inspired designs with a distinctive look and flexible configurations.
• BABYREST - Thoughtful crib designs with adjustable heights and options that can grow with your child.
• Mamas & Papas - Beautifully coordinated nursery furniture with cots that convert to toddler beds.
• Stokke - Clever, adaptable designs made to work through different stages of childhood.
• And many more

Visit us in Armadale or browse online to see the different designs, features and finishes available.

What to Know About Cot Mattresses and Drop-Side Cots

Choosing a mattress and understanding your crib’s features are both important parts of creating a safe, comfortable nursery. Here’s what parents need to know about mattress fit, safe sleep and drop-side designs.

- Choosing the right cot mattress

The right mattress should fit your cot securely and provide a firm, flat surface for your baby to sleep on. A few simple checks can help you get the setup right:

• Make sure the mattress is the correct size for your crib and fits snugly within the frame, with no gap wider than 4cm between the mattress and cot.
• Choose a firm, flat mattress rather than one that is too soft. Red Nose recommends a firm, flat sleep surface as part of creating a safe sleep environment.
• Keep the cot clear of loose items and accessories so your baby has a clear sleep space.

- Understanding drop-side cots

A drop-side cot has a side panel that can be lowered, making it easier to reach your baby. The side can then be returned to its normal height for safety when your little one is inside.

Still widely available in Australia and popular for generations, it’s no surprise that many new parents are looking into drop-side cots. The people most drawn to it are petite parents, as well as mums who have undergone C-section surgery, because the adjustable sides can reduce the need to bend and lean over the cot rails.

Does that sound like you? Would it surprise you to know that you won’t actually need that feature as much as you think you will? Let us explain.

• In the first few months, the cot base is at its highest position, making your newborn easier to reach. It’s similar to reaching into a traditional bassinet, with a higher base and lower side barrier, which can be especially helpful during post-birth recovery.
• Once your little one starts sitting up, pulling themselves to standing or trying to climb out, you’ll lower the base for safety. By then, they’ll often be sitting or standing when they wake and ready to be lifted out, so you may not need to lean as far over the cot as you expect.
• If you’re unsure about the height of a fixed-side cot, ask to see the difference between the bassinet and toddler positions in store at our Armadale showroom. Seeing the height for yourself can make it much easier to picture how the cot will work as your little one grows.

- Safety concerns of drop-side cots

Drop-side cots can still be used in Australia when they meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172:2010 and are assembled correctly, but the moving mechanism means there are a few extra things worth checking.

• Check for gaps - A loose or faulty drop-side mechanism can create gaps where a baby could become trapped, increasing the risk of injury.
• Take care with assembly - Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, particularly when assembling the moving parts.
• Check the mechanism regularly - Look for loose, broken or worn parts that could affect how the drop-side operates.
• Think about longevity - If you plan to reuse the cot for another child, remember that moving parts can wear over time, so its condition matters.
• Check for recalls - Look up the brand and model for any safety recalls, particularly if you’re buying or receiving a second-hand cot.

It’s important to note that drop-side cots have been banned in the US since 2011 and Canada since 2016, but they remain permitted in Australia when they meet the Australian Household Cots safety standard. The ACCC has also encouraged manufacturers to increase testing of wooden drop-side cots.

Cot Sizes and Room Planning

A baby cot can fit beautifully into a smaller nursery or apartment, with compact designs helping you make the most of your space. Before ordering, check the cot’s overall dimensions and allow enough room around it for easy access. At the same time, make sure it can comfortably pass through doorways, hallways, stairs or lifts during delivery.

How Long Will My Baby Use the Cot?

Most cribs are designed to be used from the newborn stage through the toddler years, although the exact timeframe depends on the cot and your child’s development. When they outgrow the cot or are ready for a bigger bed, you can move them to a toddler bed or convert a cot designed for longer use.

At Kiddie Country, we know every family has a different idea of what makes the perfect cot. Whether you’re looking for something that grows with your baby or simply want help narrowing down the options, our team is here to make finding the right baby crib feel a whole lot easier.