What Size Cot Sheet Do I Need in Australia? A Simple Guide for Parents
Choosing cot sheets might seem like one of the easier decisions when preparing your baby’s nursery, until you realise that not all cot mattresses are the same size.
Between standard cots, compact cots, bassinets and different mattress depths, finding the right fitted sheet can be a little confusing.
The good news? Once you know what to look for, choosing the right cot sheet is simple.
Here’s everything you need to know about Australian cot sheet sizes, how to measure your mattress and what to check before purchasing.
What Is the Standard Cot Mattress Size in Australia?
A common Australian cot mattress size is approximately 130 × 70 cm, although dimensions vary between brands and cot models.
Some mattresses measure 132 × 70 cm, while others have slightly different lengths, widths or depths.
For this reason, there isn’t one universal cot sheet size guaranteed to fit every Australian cot.
At Ever After Baby Co, our fitted cot sheets are designed for mattresses measuring 132 × 71 × 20 cm, making them a lovely option for families looking for organic cotton bedding for a compatible Australian cot.
We always recommend checking your mattress measurements before purchasing.
Australian Cot Mattress Size Guide
Here is a general guide to common cot mattress sizes in Australia.
|
Cot Type |
Approximate Mattress Size |
|
Standard cot |
130 × 70 cm |
|
Some larger standard cots |
132 × 70–71 cm |
|
Compact cot |
120 × 60 cm |
|
Bassinet |
Varies by brand and model |
|
Portacot |
Varies by brand and model |
These are indicative dimensions only. Always refer to your cot manufacturer’s specifications.
How to Measure Your Cot Mattress
Before buying fitted cot sheets, take a moment to measure your mattress.
You’ll need three measurements:
1. Length
Measure from the top of the mattress to the bottom, along its longest edge.
2. Width
Measure across the mattress from one side to the other.
3. Depth
Measure the thickness of the mattress, from the top surface to the bottom.
Mattress depth is particularly important when choosing fitted sheets. A sheet with a pocket that is too shallow may pull away from the corners, while an oversized sheet may bunch or sit loosely.
The aim is a fitted sheet that sits smoothly and securely around the mattress.
Will a 132 × 71 cm Cot Sheet Fit a 130 × 70 cm Mattress?
Possibly, but it depends on the sheet’s construction, elasticity and mattress depth.
A difference of one or two centimetres doesn’t automatically mean a sheet will fit correctly.
Always check the manufacturer’s recommended mattress dimensions and make sure the fitted sheet remains snug, without loose fabric, bunching or corners lifting away.
If you’re unsure whether a particular sheet will fit your mattress, it’s best to check before purchasing.
Why Is a Well-Fitting Cot Sheet Important?
A fitted cot sheet isn’t just about creating a beautiful nursery. The way it fits matters too.
A properly fitted sheet should:
- Sit smoothly across the mattress.
- Fit securely around all four corners.
- Stay in place without riding up.
- Have no loose or excess fabric around the sleeping surface.
Australian safe sleep organisation Red Nose recommends using a firm, flat mattress that is the correct size for the cot, with bedding that fits securely.
It’s also important to remember that your cot mattress itself must fit the cot correctly.
For more information about creating a safer sleep environment, visit Red Nose Australia.
What Should You Look for When Buying Cot Sheets?
Once you’ve confirmed the correct size, there are a few other things worth considering.
1. Fabric
Cot sheets are available in a range of materials, including cotton, organic cotton, jersey and muslin.
Consider how the fabric feels, how it washes and whether it suits your preferences.
Our Chapter One collection is made from organic washed cotton, chosen for its lovely soft texture and relaxed feel.
2. Fabric Certifications
If textile certifications are important to you, look for clear information about the product’s certification.
For example, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 indicates that a textile has been tested for specified harmful substances.
It’s worth checking the certification details rather than relying on broad claims about a fabric being natural or organic.
3. Easy Care
Babies have a wonderful way of creating extra washing!
Look for cot sheets that are easy to care for and can handle regular laundering according to their care instructions.
Having a few fitted sheets on rotation can make those unexpected middle-of-the-night changes a little easier.
4. A Design You’ll Love Beyond the Baby Stage
Your baby’s cot will become part of so many everyday moments, from those early newborn days to the toddler years.
Choosing designs you genuinely love, rather than something you’ll quickly grow tired of, can help create a nursery that feels timeless.
We love nostalgic prints, soft colours and designs that work beautifully together without everything needing to match.
How Many Cot Sheets Do You Need?
For most families, three fitted cot sheets is a practical starting point.
That gives you:
- One on the mattress.
- One clean and ready for a change.
- One in the wash.
You may find that you need more during the newborn months, particularly if you’re dealing with frequent spills or nappy leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all cot sheets the same size in Australia?
No. While many Australian cot mattresses have similar dimensions, sizes vary between brands and models. Always measure your mattress and check the fitted sheet’s recommended dimensions.
What size cot sheet fits a 132 × 71 cm mattress?
Look for a fitted cot sheet designed to accommodate a mattress measuring 132 × 71 cm, with the correct depth. Ever After Baby Co fitted cot sheets are designed for mattresses measuring 132 × 71 × 20 cm.
Can I use a standard cot sheet on a compact cot?
Not necessarily. Compact cots generally have smaller mattresses, so a standard cot sheet may be too loose. Choose a fitted sheet specifically designed for your mattress dimensions.
Do bassinet sheets fit cot mattresses?
Generally, no. Bassinet mattresses are usually smaller and can have different shapes. Check the exact dimensions before purchasing.
Does cot mattress depth matter?
Yes. Fitted sheets need enough depth to wrap securely around the mattress without pulling off the corners or leaving loose fabric.
Beautiful Cot Sheets, Designed in Melbourne
At Ever After Baby Co, we believe the practical things you use every day can still be beautiful.
Created by two Melbourne mums, our cot sheets bring together organic fabrics, nostalgic prints and thoughtfully considered colours designed to complement one another.
Our Chapter One collection features three original designs: Forget Me Not, Little Adventurer and Voyager.
Each is designed for compatible Australian cot mattresses measuring 132 × 71 × 20 cm, with timeless patterns made to be loved throughout those early years.
Because the little details of childhood deserve to be special too.