Cot vs Bassinet: Which Do You Need for Your Newborn?
Share
One of the first decisions new parents face is where baby will sleep. Cot or bassinet? The answer depends on your space, your budget, and how long you want the sleep solution to last. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Bassinet?
A bassinet is a compact sleeping space designed for the early newborn months. It can be a convenient option for families who want to keep their newborn close during the first stage before transitioning to a cot.
Benefits of a bassinet
- Compact and easier to position in smaller spaces
- Convenient for keeping your newborn close during the early months
- Useful for apartments and smaller bedrooms
- Can complement a full nursery setup before transitioning to a cot
Things to consider
- A bassinet is generally used for a much shorter period than a cot
- You may still need to purchase a cot as your baby grows
- Always follow the manufacturer's age, weight and developmental limits
What Is a Cot?
A cot provides a larger sleeping space and is designed to remain useful as your baby grows. Depending on the model, features can include adjustable mattress heights, storage and conversion options for later stages.
Benefits of a cot
- Designed for longer-term use than a bassinet
- Provides more sleeping space as your baby grows
- Some models include adjustable mattress heights
- Convertible models can transition into a toddler bed
- Some cots include useful features such as under-cot storage
Things to consider
- A cot takes up more floor space than a bassinet
- The initial purchase can cost more than a standalone bassinet
- It is generally less portable
Cot or Bassinet: Which Should You Choose?
There isn't one setup that suits every family. Your choice can depend on the size of your home, your nursery layout, your budget and how you want to organise your baby's sleeping space.
Some families choose a bedside bassinet for the early newborn stage and have a cot ready for later. Others choose to set up the cot from the beginning so the main nursery furniture is already organised.
Can You Have Both?
Yes. A bassinet and cot can serve different purposes. A compact bassinet can provide a newborn sleep space during the early months, while a cot provides a longer-term option as your child grows.
If you're preparing the whole nursery at once, you can also choose a furniture bundle that combines the cot, mattress and storage pieces in one coordinated setup.
What Should You Look for When Choosing?
Before buying your nursery furniture, consider:
- How much space you have available
- Whether you want a separate newborn bassinet
- How much nursery storage you need
- Whether you want a cot that converts as your child grows
- Whether you prefer matching nursery furniture
- Your overall nursery budget
Explore Little Haven Nursery Options
Little Haven offers cots, bassinets and complete nursery furniture packages for different room sizes and storage needs.
5-in-1 Sleigh Cot Complete Nursery Bundle
Looking for an all-in-one nursery setup? The 5-in-1 Sleigh Cot Complete Nursery Bundle includes the cot, premium innerspring cot mattress, 3 drawer change table with change mattress, 4 drawer chest and toddler conversion kit.
View the 5-in-1 Sleigh Cot Complete Nursery Bundle →
Bedside Bassinet with Mattress
If you're looking specifically for a compact newborn sleep option, explore the Little Haven Bedside Bassinet with its matching mattress.
View the Bedside Bassinet with Mattress →
Two Tone Cot & Nursery Bundles
Prefer a white and natural timber nursery? Browse the Two Tone range, including cot and storage combinations in different sizes.
Explore Two Tone Cot & Nursery Bundles →
Complete Your Nursery
If you'd rather organise the main furniture together, browse Little Haven's complete nursery bundles. You'll find coordinated combinations of cots, mattresses, drawer storage and selected nursery essentials.
Shop Complete Nursery Bundles →
Browse All Little Haven Nursery Furniture →
Always follow the assembly, usage and safe-sleep instructions supplied with your chosen cot or bassinet. Check the manufacturer's recommended limits and discontinue use when your child reaches the applicable developmental, weight or age limit.