Bassinet vs cot comes down to timing and space: a bassinet is a small, often portable sleep space for the first few months, while a cot is a larger bed your baby can use from birth right through to toddlerhood. Many families start with a bassinet next to their bed and move to a cot once their baby begins to roll or reaches the bassinet's limits; others go straight to a cot from day one.
This guide explains the differences, when to make the switch, and the bassinets and cots we recommend from the range currently available at Baby Little Planet.
What is a bassinet?
A bassinet is a compact bed designed for newborns and young babies. Because it's small and often on wheels, you can keep your baby within arm's reach in your bedroom, which makes night feeds easier. There are a few main types:
- Bedside bassinets (bedside sleepers): sit flush against your bed with a drop-down side, so your baby has their own separate sleep surface right beside you.
- Freestanding bassinets: a standalone sleep space you can move from room to room.
- Portable bassinets: fold up for travel and stays away from home.
- Smart bassinets: add features like gentle motion and white noise.
Bassinets are only designed for a short period. Check the limits in your product's instructions; many are designed for use only until your baby starts rolling.
What is a cot?
A cot is a larger bed with fixed sides, designed for use from birth to toddlerhood. Most have an adjustable base: higher for newborns so you're not bending as far, and lower once your baby can pull up to standing. Household cots sold in Australia must comply with the mandatory standard AS/NZS 2172. Common types include standard cots, convertible cots that become toddler beds, and compact cots for smaller rooms.
Bassinet vs cot: the key differences
- How long you'll use it: a bassinet lasts a few months; a cot lasts years, and longer again if it converts to a toddler bed.
- Space: a bassinet fits beside your bed in most bedrooms; a full-size cot needs more floor space, usually in the nursery.
- Night feeds: a bedside bassinet keeps your baby within reach; a cot means getting up, unless you put a compact cot in your room.
- Portability: most bassinets have wheels or fold for travel; cots generally stay put, though some have lockable wheels.
- Cost: buying both costs more up front, but many parents find the bassinet stage worth it for the convenience.
Do you need both?
Not necessarily. A cot can be used from birth, so if your baby will sleep in the nursery from the start, or you have room for a compact cot in your bedroom, you may skip the bassinet. If you want your baby right beside you for the early months, a bedside bassinet followed by a cot is the most common path. A compact cot is a good middle ground: smaller than a standard cot, but it lasts until your child needs a toddler bed.
When to move your baby from a bassinet to a cot
Move your baby to a cot when they reach any limit in your bassinet's instructions, which commonly include rolling, a maximum weight, or being able to push up or sit up. Don't wait until they look cramped. Making the move earlier, when you're both ready, is usually easier than waiting until your baby has outgrown the space.
Whatever they sleep in, the safe sleep basics stay the same: place your baby on their back, on a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly, and keep pillows, toys and loose bedding out of the sleep space.
Bassinets we recommend
COCOON Breeze Bedside Bassinet
The COCOON Breeze Bedside Bassinet has six height positions to line up with most adult beds, a secure strap system, a drop-down side for night feeds, all-round mesh for airflow and visibility, a rocking function and lockable wheels.
Babyrest Alfie2 Bedside Bassinet
The Babyrest Alfie2 Bedside Bassinet has five height positions, all-round mesh, a drop-down side and four lockable swivel wheels, and it straps securely to your bed. It meets Babyrest's Safer Sleep Test criteria for firmness and CO₂ rebreathing, and folds compactly for travel.
Maxi Cosi Iora Air Bedside Sleeper
The Maxi Cosi Iora Air Bedside Sleeper has breathable all-round mesh sides, four height settings, smooth-glide wheels, an under-basket for essentials and Eco Care fabrics made from recycled materials. It folds compactly into the included transport bag.
Babyrest Swan Smart Electronic Bassinet
The Babyrest Swan Smart Electronic Bassinet uses a motion sensor to start a gentle swivel rocking motion when your baby stirs, with three intensity levels, built-in lullabies and white noise, all controlled by the included remote. It has an INPAA approved mattress, all-round mesh, four height positions and two mattress protectors.
ergoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Bassinet
For travel and naps around the house, the ergoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Bassinet is designed for use from birth until your baby is rolling. It has a breathable mesh body, a steel frame, high sides and a safety lock, and packs into a carry backpack with large pockets for essentials.
See every option in our bassinets collection.
Cots we recommend
For the next stage, our guide to the best cots in Australia covers convertible, compact, folding and budget cots. A few quick picks: the Leander Linea Cot has four configurations from infant cot to sofa; the Cocoon Nest 4-in-1 Cot + Mattress Set starts as a bassinet and ends as a table and chairs set; and the Boori Natty Compact Cot fits through a standard door frame on lockable castors.
Planning the whole room? Our Nursery Checklist lists the essentials. Our Price Promise matches a lower price on the identical item from another Australian retailer, and our 12-week lay-by helps spread the cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bassinet?
A bassinet is a small bed for newborns and young babies, usually designed to sit beside your bed or move around the house. It's used for the first few months before your baby moves to a cot.
How long can a baby sleep in a bassinet?
Only until they reach the limits in the bassinet's instructions. Many bassinets are designed for use until your baby starts rolling; for example, the ergoPouch Easy Sleep is for use from birth until rolling.
Can a newborn sleep in a cot from birth?
Yes. Cots are designed for use from birth, and most have a higher base setting for newborns so they're easier to lift in and out.
Is a bedside bassinet the same as co-sleeping?
A bedside bassinet keeps your baby next to you but on their own separate sleep surface. Always attach it as the instructions describe, such as with the strap systems on the COCOON Breeze and Babyrest Alfie2.
Is a compact cot a good alternative to a bassinet?
For many families, yes. A compact cot like the Boori Natty can sit in your bedroom in the early months, then wheel into the nursery and last until your child needs a toddler bed.
