Getting the right cot sheet size matters more than most people expect. A sheet that's too loose can bunch up under your baby, creating a safety risk. Too tight and it pops off the corners overnight. This guide covers standard Australian cot and bassinet sheet sizes, how to measure properly, and what to look for before you buy.
Part of our complete guide to waterproof cot sheets.
Standard Australian Cot Sheet Sizes
Australian cot mattresses follow a fairly consistent standard, but there is still enough variation between brands to catch you out. Here are the sizes you'll commonly find:
- Standard cot mattress: 130 x 69 cm (some brands run 132 x 68 cm)
- Compact cot mattress: 120 x 60 cm
- Travel cot mattress: 95 x 65 cm (varies significantly by brand)
Fitted sheets for a standard cot are typically sized to fit a 130 x 69 cm mattress with a pocket depth of around 10 to 15 cm. Always check the listed mattress dimensions on the sheet packaging, not just the label name.
Standard Bassinet Sheet Sizes in Australia
Bassinet sizing is where things get genuinely confusing. There is no single Australian standard, so sheets that fit one bassinet may not fit another. The most commonly searched bassinet sheet size is 83 x 52 cm, and searches for 83 x 60 cm also appear regularly. Both are real dimensions used by different bassinet brands.
Common Australian bassinet mattress sizes include:
- 83 x 52 cm (one of the most widely used sizes)
- 83 x 60 cm
- 75 x 50 cm
- 80 x 45 cm
Because bassinet dimensions vary so much, measuring your specific mattress before buying sheets is essential. Do not assume the sheet size listed online matches your bassinet unless you have confirmed the mattress dimensions first.
How to Measure Your Mattress Correctly
This takes about 60 seconds and will save you a frustrating return.
- Measure the length and width of the top sleeping surface of the mattress, not the bassinet or cot frame.
- Measure the height (thickness) of the mattress from base to top. This tells you the pocket depth you need.
- Write all three numbers down before you shop.
A fitted sheet needs a pocket depth that is at least equal to the mattress thickness, with a little extra to grip underneath. Most cot mattresses are 10 to 12 cm thick. Many bassinet mattresses are shallower, around 6 to 8 cm, so check the pocket depth listed on any sheet you're considering.
For safety guidance on sleep surfaces and bedding, the Red Nose Australia safe sleep guidelines are the most reliable Australian reference. They recommend a firm, flat, well-fitted sleep surface with no loose bedding.
Why a Snug Fit Is a Safety Issue
A sheet that lifts at the corners or bunches under your baby is not just inconvenient. Loose bedding is a known risk factor in infant sleep environments. Red Nose Australia recommends keeping the sleep surface free of loose items, including sheets that do not fit properly.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission product safety guidelines also flag that cot bedding should fit the mattress snugly on all sides with no gaps. This applies equally to bassinets.
If you are considering a waterproof layer for your cot, it is worth understanding the difference between a fitted waterproof sheet and a mattress protector. They serve different purposes and fit differently. This breakdown of waterproof cot sheets versus mattress protectors explains which option suits which situation.
Fabric and Care Tips for Cot and Bassinet Sheets
For newborns and young babies, soft and breathable fabrics are worth prioritising. Bamboo-cotton blends are popular because they are silky against sensitive skin, moisture-wicking, and stay cool in warmer months. Jersey cotton is stretchy, which helps the sheet grip the mattress corners more securely.
If you are using waterproof sheets, the washing method matters. Incorrect washing can break down the waterproof membrane over time. Our guide on caring for waterproof bamboo cot sheets covers exactly what to do and what to avoid.
It is also worth keeping two or three fitted sheets in rotation. Night changes happen, and having a clean sheet ready at 2am makes a real difference.
Shop Waterproof Cot Sheets and Protectors
If you want a sheet that handles both softness and waterproof protection in one layer, browse our waterproof cot sheets and protectors. Each product listing includes the exact dimensions and pocket depth so you can match it to your mattress measurements before you order.
Australian cot and bassinet sheet size chart
Here are the sizes at a glance. Measure your own mattress before you buy, because brands vary.
| Cot type | Mattress size | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cot mattress | 130 x 69 cm | some brands run 132 x 68 cm |
| Compact cot mattress | 120 x 60 cm | |
| Travel cot mattress | 95 x 65 cm | varies significantly by brand |
| Bassinet mattress size | Note |
|---|---|
| 83 x 52 cm | One of the most widely used bassinet sizes |
| 83 x 60 cm | Also common, check the depth as well |
| 75 x 50 cm | |
| 80 x 45 cm |
Cot and bassinet sheet size questions
What size is a standard cot sheet in Australia?
A standard Australian cot mattress is around 130 x 69 cm, though some brands run 132 x 68 cm. Fitted sheets for a standard cot are made to suit that size with a pocket depth of roughly 10 to 15 cm.
What size is a bassinet sheet?
Bassinet sizes vary more than cot sizes. The most common is 83 x 52 cm, with 83 x 60 cm, 75 x 50 cm and 80 x 45 cm also in regular use. Always measure your own bassinet mattress before buying.
How do I measure a cot mattress for a sheet?
Measure the length and the width of the mattress itself, not the cot frame, then measure the depth. Use the mattress dimensions listed on the sheet packaging rather than assuming your cot is standard.
Does a cot sheet need to fit tightly?
Yes. A loose sheet can bunch or come away from the corners, which is a safety risk. A fitted sheet should sit snug and stay put on all four corners. For safe sleep guidance see rednose.org.au and check with your child health nurse.
Are all Australian cots the same size?
No. Standard, compact and travel cots all differ, and there is variation between brands even within those categories. Measure your mattress rather than relying on the cot type alone.
