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Cot Buying Guide

The cot you choose will more than likely be your baby's bed until he or she is two or three years old. Infants spend the majority of the night (and much of the day) asleep; therefore, it is important that the cot is safe, comfortable and provides a restful sleep for your baby.

Cots must comply with the safety requirements of the National Standard AS/NZS 2172. All cots available at Farmers meet the safety standards for use in New Zealand.

While cots can be used from birth, some parents choose to use a bassinet or co-sleeper for their babies, ideal from newborn to around 6 months old as they can be moved around the house, and are particularly useful if you choose to have your baby sleep in your room. See our Bassinets Buying Guide for more information
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Fixed Or Drop-Side?

With so much contrasting and conflicting information out there around buying drop-side cots over fixed-side cots, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences.

Although the use of drop-side cots are different overseas, they are used in New Zealand but must comply with product safety requirements.

Drop-Side Advantages

  • The drop side makes it easier to pick up your baby or place them in their cot.
  • Beneficial for shorter parents or those with back issues.
  • Easier to change bedding when side is dropped.
  • Drop-sides on cots need to be checked regularly and are one of the most likely parts on a cot to become unsafe over time. While all drop-side cots sold in NZ must meet the safety standard, parents should regularly check the mechanism works safely and reliably. Ensure you drop the base to the lower setting when your baby is close to sitting up.
For more information, visit www.productsafety.govt.nz/for-consumers/keeping-kids-safe/sleep-safety-cots-bunk-beds-and-baby-slings

Teething Rail

A protective plastic coating around the edges prevents your baby chewing on the wooden slats of the cot.

Convertible Options

Some cots can be used as a bassinet for newborns (by adjusting the base height), and later convert to a day bed or toddler bed. These options come in handy as your child grows and can give you years of extra use.

Adjustable Base

Makes it easier to lift your baby in and out as they grow. The base can be positioned at the higher setting for newborns, then should be adjusted to the lower setting when your baby is close to sitting up, so that they stay secure in the cot.

Wheels

Sturdy wheels allow ease of movement with the cot. This can allow easy cleaning under the cot or the ability to move the cot to different rooms if required.

Cot Or Bassinet?

While cots can be used from birth, some parents choose to purchase a bassinet for their babies.

Bassinets are ideal for newborns to around 6 months old as they're smaller and can be easily moved around the house, especially those featuring wheels. Bassinets are particularly useful if you choose to have your baby sleep in your room.

See the Bassinet Buying Guide for more information.

Helpful Tips and Safety Requirements
  • The cot must be more than 600mm deep. Measure from the top of the mattress base to the lowest point on any end or side.
  • The mattress must fit the cot firmly. Any gaps at the ends and sides should be less than 20mm with the mattress centred in the cot.
  • The space between the cot bars must not be less than 50mm or be larger than 95mm.
  • Drop side catches must lock securely.
  • The base of the cot must be firm, with no parts to collapse or bend when pushed down.
  • Read the manufacturer's instruction when assembling a cot, many provide helpful videos on YouTube.
  • Remove plastic wrapping from new mattresses.
  • There must not be any bars, ledges or other footholds that an infant can use to climb out of the cot.
  • Screws and nails must not stick out.
  • The four corner posts must not stick up more than 5mm.
  • Cot ends must not have any cut outs.
  • Do not use soft bedding, bumper pads or pillows.
  • Do not leave toys in the cot - large toys are climbing aids and small toys with ribbons can be a choking risk.
  • Do not place the cot within reach of windows, curtains and window blind cords.
  • From the cot, ensure the child cannot reach mobiles, hanging toys, pictures, mirrors, shelves or power points.

Check with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs or your local Plunket service if you have any safety concerns about your cot or require further advice. The Commerce Commission enforces the Household Cots Product Safety Standard.