Building your baby registry must haves list and not sure what bedding to include? Or maybe daycare starts soon and the centre just sent through a packing checklist. Either way, this guide cuts straight to what you actually need for cot and travel bedding, no guesswork.
New to this? Start with our guide to waterproof cot sheets and protectors.
What Daycare Centres Usually Ask You to Bring
Every centre is different, so check with yours first. Most will ask for:
- One to two fitted cot sheets or bassinet sheets, depending on their cots
- A labelled bag for used bedding at pickup
- Season-appropriate layers such as a sleep bag or swaddle
- A spare set in case of accidents or spills
Label everything clearly with your baby's full name. Iron-on labels or fabric markers both work well and survive the wash.
Are Cot Sheets a Standard Size in Australia?
Standard Australian cot mattresses measure 130 x 69 cm. Most fitted cot sheets sold here are made to fit that size. Bassinets are smaller, usually around 75 x 35 cm, so check before you buy.
Portacots are a different story. Brands like 4Baby and BabyBjorn use slightly different mattress dimensions, and a standard cot sheet may bunch up or not fit flat. Always check the portacot mattress size before ordering sheets. A sheet that does not fit snugly is a safety risk, since loose bedding in a sleep space is not recommended. Red Nose Australia has clear guidance on safe sleep surfaces and bedding.
The Daycare and Travel Bedding Pack List
For Daycare
- Two fitted cot sheets in the right size for the centre's cots
- One to two sleep bags appropriate for the season and the room temperature at the centre
- A waterproof mattress protector if the centre allows it
- A labelled wet bag for soiled items
For Travel and Portacots
- Two fitted portacot sheets cut to fit your specific cot brand
- One sleep bag, packed separately so it stays clean during transit
- A muslin wrap for layering or as a light cover in warmer months
- A compact mattress protector if your portacot mattress is thin
Muslin wraps are genuinely useful here. They fold down small, dry fast, and work as a light layer when a full sleep bag is too warm. If you are still figuring out whether your baby is ready to move from swaddling to a sleep bag, this guide on moving from a swaddle to a sleep bag is worth a read before you pack.
Fabric Matters More When You Are Away From Home
At home you can grab a fresh sheet quickly. On the road or at daycare, you want bedding that dries fast after a wash and stays soft through repeated laundering.
Cotton muslin and bamboo-blend fabrics are both popular choices. Muslin is lightweight and breathable. Bamboo blends are silky soft and moisture-wicking, which helps if your baby runs warm or sweats during sleep.
Whatever fabric you choose, wash everything before first use and check that it holds up to the care instructions on the label.
How Many Sets Do You Actually Need?
For daycare: two sets minimum. One on, one clean and ready to go.
For a weekend trip: two sets is usually enough. For a longer stay, three gives you breathing room between washes.
If you are putting together a registry, add at least three fitted cot sheets to your list. It sounds like a lot until you are dealing with a middle-of-the-night blowout and your only spare is in the wash.
While you are thinking through the registry, it is also worth locking in a carrier or wrap early. They get used from the newborn stage right through to toddlerhood. This comparison of stretchy wraps and structured carriers is a good starting point if you are not sure which suits your lifestyle. You can also browse our range of wraps and carriers to see what fits your needs.
A Note on Safe Sleep
Keep the sleep space simple. A firm, flat, well-fitted sheet is all that is needed on the mattress surface. Pillows, doonas, bumpers, and loose blankets are not recommended for babies under 12 months. Raising Children Network outlines the current safe sleep guidelines and is updated regularly.
If you are also working through what size clothing to pack for your trip, this article on knowing when to move up a clothing size saves you from packing things your baby has already grown out of.
