Cot bedding is one of the easiest places to overspend on things you will never use, and one of the easiest places to under-buy the one thing you need at 3am. Here is the honest version.
The complete list
For a baby, the cot needs exactly three things:
- A firm, well-fitting mattress
- A firm, well-fitted waterproof protector
- A fitted cot sheet
Then a sleeping bag or a firmly tucked lightweight blanket on top. Nothing else, so no pillows, doonas, bumpers or soft toys.
How many sheets
Four to six fitted sheets is the realistic number. Three is not enough. Night-time leaks and unexpected spills happen in clusters, and you do not want to be running a wash at 3am to have something clean.
Two mattress protectors follow the same logic: one on the cot, one ready to go.
Fitted sheets only
Flat sheets are not suitable for a cot. A fitted sheet with deep, elasticated corners stays put; a flat sheet works loose and becomes a hazard.
Check the sheet is made for your cot mattress. Australian cot mattresses vary in size and depth. A sheet that pops off a corner during the night is a genuine problem, not an inconvenience.
Fabrics
- Cotton jersey. Soft, slightly stretchy, stays on well, forgiving in the wash. The most practical all-round choice.
- Woven cotton. Crisp, cool and durable. Good for hot Sydney summers, needs a little more care.
- Bamboo blends. Very soft, breathable, temperature regulating. Excellent, and priced accordingly.
- Flannelette. Warm for winter, but check it is not adding too much warmth alongside a sleeping bag.
Whatever the fabric, choose breathable natural fibres over heavy synthetics, and wash everything before first use.
Choosing a mattress protector
This is where safety and convenience meet. A protector should be:
- Fitted and firm, a snug fitted style rather than a loose flat sheet of plastic that can slide or bunch
- Thin, not padded, because thick quilted protectors add softness where you do not want it
- Waterproof but breathable, with a fabric top layer and a membrane backing rather than bare plastic
- Quiet, since some crinkle loudly enough to wake a light sleeper
The double-layer trick
Worth knowing before your first bad night. Make the cot up in layers: protector, sheet, second protector, second sheet. When the top layers get wet, you peel them off and a clean, dry bed is already made underneath. Ninety seconds instead of fifteen minutes.
Washing
Warm wash on a regular cycle, with a fragrance-free detergent if your baby's skin is sensitive. Rinse well, because residue irritates more often than the detergent itself. Line drying in Australian sun is effective and free. Wash sheets weekly, or immediately after any leak.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bedding set?
Sets often include quilts and bumpers that should not go in a cot. Buy fitted sheets and protectors individually and you will use everything you pay for.
Can I use cot sheets on a bassinet?
No, because sizes differ and the fit will be loose. Use sheets made for that bassinet.
When can bedding get more elaborate?
Quilts and pillows are generally appropriate once a child moves to a bed, around two years. In a cot, keep it minimal.
Match sheets to your mattress
Bring your mattress dimensions to our Peakhurst showroom, or send them through, and we will confirm the right size before you order.
General information only. For safe sleep guidance see Red Nose Australia.