What Size are Cot Quilts

So here’s the thing — cot quilt sizes aren’t one-size-fits-all, and for something that’s supposed to feel simple, it weirdly… isn’t. Maybe you’re just trying to make sure the quilt won’t bunch up or dangle too far over the sides. Or maybe you’re staring at bedding online and wondering why “cot” doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere.

Either way, knowing the size of a cot quilt — in inches, centimeters, and what actually fits your mattress — helps you dodge a lot of second-guessing later.

For quick reference: most cot quilts fall between 30” x 40” and 45” x 60”, depending on the country, the crib style, and whether you’re using it for sleep or just warmth while snuggling. It gets murky fast, so here’s how it breaks down.

And if you’re trying to figure out whether your mattress matches the quilt? This guide on cot mattress measurements helps make that connection feel a little less blurry.

What Is the Standard Size of a Cot Quilt?

Not totally sure why, but “standard” is a stretch when it comes to cot quilts. There’s a rough range most of them fall into, but depending on where you live — and who made the quilt — you’ll see slight differences. Which might not sound like a big deal until you’re tucking in corners at 2 a.m. and wondering why the thing won’t lie flat.

Cot Quilt Size in Inches and CM

Here’s a quick size breakdown based on data from Suzy Quilts — probably the clearest chart i found while half-asleep and deep in a rabbit hole:

Most store-bought cot quilts land somewhere between 30” x 40” (baby-sized) and 45” x 60” (crib or toddler bed size). Some are more decorative — meant for tummy time, stroller rides, or cuddling on the couch. Others are sized to fit snugly inside the mattress lines, kind of like a duvet but thinner.

If you’re pairing it with a crib setup, this might be a good time to check your mattress dimensions, too — here’s a no-fuss explainer on cot mattress sizing.

And in case you’re looking at patterns or handmade quilts, just know: there’s no hard rule, especially if it’s gifted or homemade. A slightly-too-big quilt can still work — just fold it under or keep it for later toddler years.

Variations by Region: UK vs Australia vs US

Honestly, this part gets confusing fast. “Cot” doesn’t mean the same thing in every country, and neither does the bedding.

According to Manchester Warehouse’s sizing guide, Australian cot quilts typically measure 100 x 135 cm — so that’s about 39” x 53”. Their cot beds are a bit roomier too, which explains the larger cover size.

In the UK, cot quilts often stick closer to 120 x 100 cm — or about 47” x 39” — but you’ll also see things like “cot bed quilt” floating around, which nudges the size up to fit beds that transition into toddler use.

In the US, you’re mostly dealing with “crib quilts” (same thing, really), and the size leans smaller — often 30” x 40” or 36” x 52”. These are built to fit snug inside a standard crib or for use as a play mat or stroller blanket.

So if you’re shopping across borders — or even browsing online — just watch for these little shifts. “Cot” in Australia might not fit your US crib. And vice versa.

Quilt Size vs Other Cot Bedding Essentials

So here’s where it gets tangled — you’ve got cot quilts, duvets, blankets, and every brand seems to call them something slightly different. The sizes overlap, but the feel and purpose don’t always match. And when you’re trying to figure out what’s actually safe or useful for a baby (especially during sleep), it helps to see how these compare side by side.

Cot Quilt vs Cot Duvet vs Cot Blanket

Think of it like this:

• Cot quilts are usually padded but flat — somewhere between a blanket and a comforter. Good for layering or gentle warmth, but not too bulky.
• Cot duvets are more like mini comforters. Fluffy. Warm. Usually need a cover. These are better for older babies or toddlers, not newborns.
• Cot blankets can mean anything from lightweight swaddles to soft wool throws — depends who you ask. They’re often more flexible (literally and figuratively), and easier to layer or fold.

Here’s a quick look based on sizing and usage — pulled together from Wilson & Dorset’s blanket sizing guide and a few too many product tags:

And remember — layering too many of these at once? Not great for sleep safety. If you’re curious about how to keep crib bedding clean and not gross over time (because… yeah, life), here’s a solid crib maintenance and cleaning guide that keeps things simple.

Cot Quilt Fit for Cot Beds and Toddler Beds

If you’re thinking about stretching that cot quilt into toddler years — you probably can. Most cot quilts fit toddler beds just fine, especially if you’re using a standard crib mattress that converts later. The usual quilt size for cot beds (around 45” x 60”) gives you enough length to tuck in or fold over the sides.

That said, some toddler beds are a bit wider or longer than cribs, so if the quilt looks small once you make the switch — no harm in upgrading later.

Need a clearer answer on the mattress side of this? This explainer on crib vs toddler mattress fit walks through it without making your head spin.

Safe Sleep Recommendations for Cot Quilts

So here’s the part no one loves to hear, but it’s kind of essential — quilts and other loose bedding aren’t safe for infants under 12 months. Doesn’t matter how soft or breathable they claim to be.

According to the AAP’s official guidelines, soft bedding (including quilts, comforters, blankets — even stuffed toys) shouldn’t be used in a cot for babies under a year. The risk of suffocation or SIDS is just too high.

Is a Cot Quilt Safe for Infants?

Here’s a quick checklist — just to make sure we’re not accidentally adding more than we need:

• ❌ Not safe for under 12 months, even if it seems thin
• ✅ Okay for supervised tummy time, stroller walks, or floor play
• ✅ Useful later on for toddlers who can reposition themselves
• ✅ Works well as a cozy layer outside the crib

So yeah — buy it if you love it, but maybe don’t toss it in the crib just yet.

Recommended Cot Quilt Size for Safe Sleep

When you do introduce a quilt (once baby is past that 12-month mark), size still matters — but in a quiet, safety-first kind of way. The CPSC crib safety tips suggest looking for a quilt that fits snugly over the mattress area, without tons of excess fabric hanging off the sides.

That usually means staying close to the 36” x 52” to 45” x 60” range, depending on your crib or toddler bed setup. And honestly — the less fluff, the better. Lightweight and breathable wins every time.

Breathability and Fabric Selection

If you’re shopping around, the fabric can make or break your quilt choice — not just for comfort, but for safety too. Natural, breathable materials reduce overheating risks and tend to be gentler on sensitive baby skin.

This comparison, loosely pulled from The Linen Company’s guide, can help steer the decision:

If you’re in a warmer climate or just want something that won’t trap heat, lightweight quilts for cots made with bamboo or breathable cotton are kind of a sweet spot. Especially for toddlers who run hot.

Quilt Sizing for DIY and Crafting

If you’re the kind of parent (or grandparent or friend) who likes to make things — or just wants to stitch a little love into something soft — cot quilts can be a really lovely project. The good news? You don’t need a huge space or a long-arm machine to make one. Just a little time, some fabric you like, and a plan that doesn’t overcomplicate things.

Popular Cot Quilt Patterns and Templates

Some designs are just easier to work with — whether you’re brand new to quilting or sneaking in time during naps. These patterns tend to work best for crib size quilt patterns and baby quilt patterns for cots, mostly because they’re modular, forgiving, and still look sweet when they’re scrunched up or spit-up on.

Here are a few that tend to come up (again and again) in online sewing groups:

• Simple squares (5” or 6” blocks) — easy to cut, easy to arrange, and super versatile
• Rail fence — stripes in alternating directions, nice visual rhythm
• Half-square triangles — great if you want something geometric but still beginner-friendly
• Panel quilts — just add borders to a printed fabric panel, quick but still personal
• Log cabin — a classic that works well for smaller quilts
• Strip pieced rows — basically fabric strips sewn side-by-side, fast and minimal

If you’re wondering why these all look kind of familiar… it’s because they work. Even if you’re not aiming for Pinterest-level perfection. And if you’re not sure how these get used beyond decor, this explainer on what crib quilts are actually for might help make sense of their role in daily baby life (hint: they’re not just for the crib).

DIY Cot Quilt Measurements and Cutting Guide

If you’re making your own quilt, a few rough numbers can save you a headache (or ten). You don’t need to follow them exactly — quilting’s more flexible than it looks — but here’s a simple guide if you’re aiming for a classic DIY cot quilt dimension.

Standard finished size:
Around 36” x 52” or 40” x 60” — small enough to handle, big enough to use for years.

Here’s how it usually breaks down:

1. Choose your layout — let’s say 6 rows of 7 blocks = 42 total blocks
2. Pick your block size — 6.5” squares (which sew down to 6”) is super common
3. Add a border (optional) — 2” or 3” all around gives it a framed feel
4. Back it with breathable fabric — like soft cotton or bamboo
5. Batting — use lightweight, low-loft batting (baby-safe)
6. Quilt as you like — straight lines, stitch-in-the-ditch, or soft wavy meanders
7. Bind it up — use a double-fold binding for durability

One tip I picked up from All Cotton and Linen’s guide: keep your fabrics breathable and gentle. That goes for both sides of the quilt. Natural materials = better airflow = less sweaty baby naps.

And if you’re gifting the quilt? Maybe tuck in a note about how it’s meant for tummy time or stroller naps — just to keep safe sleep boundaries clear, especially for new parents still navigating all this.

Conclusion

There’s no one “right” cot quilt size — but there’s probably a right fit for your space, your baby, and your plans. Most fall in the 36″ x 52″ to 45″ x 60″ range, but how you use it (and when) matters just as much as the number on the label.

If you’re trying to match it to your mattress setup, here’s a guide to crib mattress sizing that takes some guesswork out. And if you’re still building out the nursery — color, space, layout — this piece on creating the perfect baby nursery is a gentle, non-overwhelming starting point.

But honestly? Whether you sew your own, get one as a gift, or find something on sale that just feels right — cot quilts are one of those baby items that ends up doing more than you expected. Tummy time mat, stroller snuggler, toddler couch blanket… they earn their keep.

Just don’t rush them into the crib before it’s time. There’s no need. The softness can wait.

🔗 References – External Links Used

1. Quilt Sizing Guide
2. Manchester Warehouse Sizing
3. White Company Cot Quilt Chart
4. Wilson & Dorset Blanket Guide
5. AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines
6. CPSC Safety Guide
7. All Cotton & Linen Bedding Guide
8. Linen Company Sheet Safety

🧷 Related Internal Posts

1. How to Choose the Best Crib Mattress
2. What Are the Measurements of a Cot Mattress
3. What Are Crib Quilts For
4. Are Crib Bumpers Safe?
5. Creating the Perfect Nursery
6. Will a Crib Mattress Fit a Toddler Bed
7. Complete Guide to Crib Maintenance

FAQs

What size is a quilt for a cot?

There isn’t just one cot quilt size — it depends on where you live and what kind of cot you have.

That said, these are pretty standard:

• UK/AU Cot Quilt: ~100 x 120 cm (39″ x 47″)
• US Crib Quilt: ~36″ x 52″ or 45″ x 60″
• Smaller sizes: ~75 x 100 cm (30″ x 40″) — often for newborns or travel cots

A good rule of thumb? The quilt should cover the mattress with a bit of tuck space — but not drape over the sides (especially important for safe sleep). You can cross-check with your country’s sizing guides — here’s a helpful crib and cot size chart from Manchester Warehouse that compares standard bedding across regions.

What is a typical baby quilt size in CM and Inches?

Here’s a quick table to compare common baby quilt dimensions, what they’re typically used for, and about how much fabric you’d need:

These aren’t hard rules — more like common zones. Most quilt shops (and bloggers like Suzy Quilts) use these ranges as starting points for baby quilt patterns.

Is it safe to use a cot quilt for newborns?

Short answer: Not yet.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and CPSC both recommend no quilts, blankets, or loose bedding in the crib until your baby is at least 12 months old. That’s mostly due to the risk of suffocation and SIDS.

If you’re trying to keep your baby warm before that age, consider:

• Wearable blankets (like sleep sacks)
• Layered clothing — think footies over bodysuits
• Room temp around 68–72°F (20–22°C) — cooler than most people expect

If you need more detail, the AAP breaks it all down clearly in their safe sleep guidance. Worth bookmarking.

How do I choose the right material for a cot quilt?

Here’s a quick rundown — because “breathable” means different things in different catalogs:

If your baby’s skin runs sensitive, you’ll probably want to avoid anything synthetic — or at least test with a small item first. For more texture comparisons, this crib fabric guide has a nice side-by-side.

What’s the difference between cot, crib, and toddler quilt sizes?

Here’s where language and location collide. Depending on where you are, “cot” might mean something slightly different — so let’s map it out clearly:

The overlap is real — many cot quilts fit toddler beds just fine. If you’re unsure about mattress compatibility, this explainer on crib vs toddler mattress fit clears things up.