Demystifying cot bedding sizes

I can’t tell you how many calls and emails I get about which size cot bedding to buy! I know when I had my first little one I was equally confused so I spent some time researching the different sizes available (which was the first step in my inspiration to starting a baby bedding company). To save you hours of Googling here is the Babes & Kids guide to baby bedding sizes.

There are two main wooden cot sizes in South Africa - they are referred to as a standard and a large. The standard is a smaller cot and the large will often convert into a cot bed/toddler bed. If space and budget allow it I would recommend that you purchase a large cot as your little one can sleep in the cot until they are +/- three and you can then remove the side/s when they are ready to convert to a cot/toddler bed.

Then there are also a number of international cots in South Africa sold by leading baby boutiques such as Kids Living - they mainly sell Stokke and IKEA cots (European Cots). Some International cot brands and Stokke require larger cot bedding while IKEA cots will fit a standard sheet (60x120cm) and a South African cot duvet cover set. There are a few custom size cots which I wouldn't recommend as you will struggle to find linen that fits.

A standard cot mattress is 56x118cm and a large cot mattress is 66x132cm. European cots generally have a mattress size of 60x120cm. Major retailers such as Baby City sell cot mattresses in the South Africa sizes but if you buy an International or custom cot I  would recommend buying the mattress at the same time from the same retailer.

Cot Duvet Cover sets come in three sizes - 75x110cm (standard cot), 80x120 (standard and large cot and European cot) and 100x140 (International cot). A cot duvet it is going to be shorter in length than the mattress size as safe sleep guidelines recommend that the duvet only come up to the height of your little ones chest. There is also no place for the duvet to hang over the end like it does on a standard bed.

All Babes & Kids cot bedding is made to fit South African standard and large cots and European cots. We have extended our sheeting range to fit International cots so we now offer 70x140cm and 60x120cm cot fitted sheets. 

We've compiled a full list of our baby bedding products and given you the exact measurements so you can buy the right size for your cot.