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Should I choose a bassinet or cot for my baby?

Should I choose a bassinet or cot for my baby?

You’re patiently waiting for the arrival of your baby and planning their nursery at the same time. You know you’ll definitely need a cot, but are still deciding whether to buy a bassinet or not. While bassinets are generally less expensive than a cot, babies will only use one for a relatively short amount of time (generally until baby can sit up or about 5 months).  

Newborn babies typically spend up to 16-18 hours a day sleeping, so no matter whether you choose to buy a bassinet or not, it’s important to choose a safe sleep space. You'll be spending a lot of time settling a newborn through the day and night, possibly a lot more than you've considered if this is your first baby!

For the purposes of this article, when we talk about bassinets, we are also referring to co-sleepers, cradles and moses baskets.

What is a bassinet?

A bassinet is a small bed designed for newborn babies and is often a baby’s first bed. They often have mesh sides or are made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Bassinets can be solid pieces of funriture that stay in your bedroom or in the nursery, or maybe lighter weight and able to easily move from room to room. A bassinet is similar to a co-sleeper, cradle or moses basket.

Baby lying awake in Purflo Breathable Bassinet

Why choose a bassinet?

  • Bassinets are smaller than a cot, so are often easier to fit in the parents bedroom. The Ministry of Health recommends baby sleep in the parent's bedroom (in their own sleep space) for the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SUDI. A bassinet can be more practical than a cot because of space constraints.
  • Some bassinets can be easily transportable so you could sleep the baby near you in the living area during the day and close to your bed at night.
  • Some bassinets or co-sleepers can be attached to a bed, this makes it easier for night feeds or checking on baby - you won’t have to get out of bed!
  • Because the sides of a bassinet are lower, they can be easier to get baby in and out of than a cot, which is super helpful when bubs is newborn and having several naps & feed per day, although many cots have a higher setting for the base which can be used until bubs can sit up.
  • Many babies settle more easily in a small bed rather than a large cot. It is safer to use a quality, safe bassinet than try to make your cot smaller by adding unsafe accessories.
Unilove 3-in-1 Hug Me Plus Bassinet next to parents bed

Why choose a cot?

  • Cots have an NZ/AUS safety standard which they must meet whereas, bassinets are unregulated in New Zealand (although you can research US and UK safety standards).
  • Cots offer great value for money as they can be used from newborn right through until moving to a big bed, around the age of 2 or 3 (generally).
  • Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed, giving even better value for money and potentially reducing issues from moving to a big bed once your toddler is climbing out the cot.
The Sleep Store Frank Cot - Why choose a cot for baby's first bed?

Should I choose a Bassinet or Cot for my Baby?

The Sleep Store Folding Bassinet - Should I choose a bassinet or cot for my baby?

What age will the baby go from bassinet to cot?

Babies can sleep in a bassinet until they reach the weight limit stated by the manufacturer or until they are sitting up or rolling over. This is generally between 3 and 6 months depending on the bassinet you choose and the size and development of your baby.

Are there safety standards for bassinets and cots in NZ?

Whilst there is a safety standard for household cots, there are no safety standards in New Zealand for bassinets, co-sleepers or moses baskets. You can refer to safety standards from overseas, such as the bassinet standard from the USA or the “Bassinets, Moses Baskets and Carry Cot” standard from the UK. The Sleep Store Frank Cot meets the NZ/AUS standard for household cots and The Sleep Store moses baskets and Folding Bassinets have been manufactured to meet the relevant UK safety standards.

If there are no bassinet safety standards in New Zealand, how do I know what to look for?

The team at Red Nose Australia have put together some great information about what to look for in a bassinet and also what to avoid.  

What to look for in a bassinet

  • A sturdy bottom and wide stable base so it can’t tip over. If the bassinet stand is designed to fold, ensure there’s a locking mechanism so it can’t do this whilst in use.
  • Make sure all four sides of the bassinet are at least 300mm higher than the top of the mattress base to stop baby falling out.
  • Firm, flat mattress that’s the correct size for your chosen bassinet – the mattress should be no thicker than 75mm
  • Good breathability to reduce the risk of suffocation and to provide good ventilation for baby. Most bassinets have mesh sides, but this is something to check as there are no bassinet stands in NZ or Australia.

What to avoid when buying a bassinet

  • Extra “frilly bits”. There should be no decorative trims or ribbons and don’t add thick blankets, pillows or toys.
  • No thick padded or squishy sides – these increase the risk of overheating and suffocation if baby’s nose is against the side.


Thanks to Red Nose Australia 12/3/21. Bassinets and Safe Sleeping, Accessed at https://rednose.org.au/article/bassinets (23 September 2021)

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