What safety standard should a cot have?
Short answer: Cots and travel cots: look for BS EN 716-1:2017. Mattresses: look for BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for cot, travel cot and crib mattresses.
- Check the internal size and buy a mattress that fits with no gaps.
- Adjustable base heights let you lower the mattress as your baby learns to sit and stand.
- Teething rails protect the top rails from little teeth.
What the guidance says
- Cots and travel cots: look for BS EN 716-1:2017.
- Mattresses: look for BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for cot, travel cot and crib mattresses.
- No safety standard covers SIDS, so a product that meets a British Standard is not automatically safer for sleep.
Related questions
What is a cot?
A framed baby bed with fixed sides, usually taking a 120 x 60cm mattress.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Coleby Space Saver Cot
- Hartley Classic Cot
- Bantam Cot - White
- Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot in Warm Grey
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Can a 10 month old sleep in a toddler bed?Can a 5 month old sleep on their side?What does feet to foot mean?Baby product standards quizBritish Standards for baby sleep products explainedYour 15 month's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideAll safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.