In short: A safe cot meets the European standard EN 716: bars 4.5–6.5 cm apart, sides at least 20 cm above the mattress even with the base in its highest position, and a mattress that fits snugly with no gaps. The most common sizes are 60 × 120 and 70 × 140 cm. Keep the cot clear: just a mattress, a fitted sheet and your baby in a sleeping bag – no pillow, duvet or bumpers.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 Sep 2026
Cot sizes
| Type | Inside size (mattress) | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cot | 60 × 120 cm | from birth to about 3 years |
| Larger cot / cot bed | 70 × 140 cm | longer use, often converts to a bed |
| Leander Classic™ (oval) | oval mattress 66 × 116 cm (outer size 70 × 120 cm) | Baby: birth to ~3 years; with extension 70 × 150 cm up to ~7 years |
| Bedside crib | depends on the model (e.g. 81 × 47 cm) | usually up to 6 months or 9 kg |
Always check the inside size of the base – that's what you choose the mattress by. We explain how to choose a firm, flat, snug-fitting mattress in our guide How to choose a safe cot mattress.
Cot safety: what does EN 716 require?
EN 716 is the European safety standard for children's cots and folding cots for domestic use. When buying new or second-hand, check:
- Bar spacing: 4.5–6.5 cm. Narrow enough that the head can't slip through, wide enough that legs and arms don't get stuck.
- Side height: even with the base in its highest position, the side should be at least 20 cm above the mattress. Once your baby starts sitting up or pulling to stand, lower the base to the lowest position.
- No gaps around the mattress: the mattress should fit against all sides; the Swiss safety body BFU gives a maximum of 3 cm, but ideally there's no gap at all.
- No hazards: no protruding screws, sharp edges, peeling paint or cut-outs that could trap a head or clothing.
- Sturdy frame: check and tighten screws regularly; use original parts on a second-hand cot.
What doesn't belong in the cot
The Lullaby Trust and other safer sleep guidance recommend keeping the cot clear: no pillow or duvet (under 1 year), no bumpers, nests, soft toys or loose bedding. According to The Lullaby Trust, cot bumpers pose a serious risk of entanglement and suffocation. Babies should sleep on their back on a flat surface – not in an inclined or seated position.
Instead of a blanket, use a baby sleeping bag of the right warmth – our TOG chart by room temperature helps you choose.
Cot beds that grow: Leander Classic™
A cot bed adapts as your child grows: a high base for the newborn, a lower base once they start pulling up, later removable sides and a longer bed. Leander Classic™ is made from European beech with a water-based lacquer (Greenguard certified).
| Model | Size | Age | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leander Classic™ Baby | 70 × 120 cm, height 94 cm | birth to ~3 years | with extension kit (sold separately) 70 × 150 cm, up to ~7 years; load capacity up to 100 kg |
| Leander Classic™ Junior | Baby 70 × 120 cm (height 94 cm) → Junior 70 × 150 cm (height 54.4 cm) | birth to ~7 years | junior kit included, adjustable base, removable sides; not for use as a bedside crib |
The Leander Classic™ is oval, so it needs a dedicated oval 66 × 116 cm mattress (e.g. Leander Classic™ Comfort, tested to EN 16890). Browse the Leander range or all cots and cribs.
Bedside crib: how to use it safely
A bedside (next-to-me) crib keeps your baby right beside you at night, but on their own separate, flat surface. The Lullaby Trust advises:
- EN 1130:2019: since 2020, bedside cribs should meet this standard – modern cribs no longer have a side that fully drops down.
- Secure attachment: fix the crib to the parents' bed with the straps provided, leaving no gap between the two.
- Flat surface: for sleep, the mattress should be level. Some cribs offer a tilt function – safer sleep guidance advises against inclined sleep.
- No adult duvets or pillows should reach into the baby's space.
- Manufacturer limits: most bedside cribs are for use up to about 6 months or 9 kg, or until your baby can push up on their own.
| Model | Use | Features (per manufacturer) |
|---|---|---|
| Joie Roomie™ Glide | birth to 9 kg | 11 heights, lockable rocking, EN 1130:2019 |
| Maxi-Cosi Tori | birth to 6 months (~9 kg) | 5 heights, foldable, recycled fabrics |
| KikkaBoo Nanna 2 | birth to 6 months (9 kg) | 7 heights, safety strap, 81 × 47 cm mattress |
| KikkaBoo Noah | birth to 6 months (9 kg) | 6 heights, aluminium frame, 7.6 kg |
See all models in our bedside cribs category.
FAQ
What size should a baby cot be?
The most common sizes are 60 × 120 cm and 70 × 140 cm (inside size). A larger cot lasts longer; a smaller one takes up less room.
How far apart should cot bars be?
Between 4.5 and 6.5 cm. Measure the spacing on second-hand or older cots before use.
When should I lower the cot base?
As soon as your baby starts sitting up or pulling to stand. Move the base to the lowest position so they can't climb or fall over the side.
Are cot bumpers safe?
The Lullaby Trust advises against them because of the risk of entanglement and suffocation. Keep the cot clear – just a mattress, a fitted sheet and your baby in a sleeping bag.
How long can a baby sleep in a bedside crib?
Up to the manufacturer's limit – usually about 6 months or 9 kg, or until your baby can push up on their own. Then move to a deeper cot.
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust – Baby sleeping products
- The Lullaby Trust – A guide to buying safer sleep essentials (PDF)
- BFU (Swiss Council for Accident Prevention) – Babybett
- BAG Mehr Sicherheit für Kinder – Kinderbett
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
