IKEA Cot Review Australia 2026: Sundvik vs Sniglar – Which Model Is Worth It?
IKEA Cot Review Australia 2026: Sundvik vs Sniglar – Which Model Is Worth It?
If you’ve spent any time wandering the cavernous aisles of your local IKEA (or scrolling the website at 2am with a cup of tea while the baby kicks away inside you), you’ll know that the IKEA cot range is one of the most talked-about nursery buys among Australian mums. They’re affordable, they’re sturdy enough to surprise you, and they come with that famous flat-pack promise that you can have a nursery sorted on a single weekend.
But here’s the thing, “affordable” and “actually good for my baby” aren’t always the same sentence. As a parenting writer who has assembled more cots than I’d care to admit (and lost a good few hex keys down the back of the lounge in the process), I get asked constantly: is an IKEA cot genuinely worth it, and which model should I actually buy? The two that come up again and again are the Sundvik and the Sniglar.
So let’s settle it properly. In this honest 2026 review, I’ll walk you through both IKEA cots, how they stack up against a couple of trusted Australian-made alternatives, what to look for in cots and mattresses, and which one I’d genuinely recommend depending on your budget, your space and your plans for baby number two. No jargon, no judgement, just the kind of chat you’d have with a mate who’s done all the legwork.
Price checked 27 Jun 2026
Are IKEA cots safe and legal in Australia?
This is always the first question, and rightly so. The short answer is yes, the IKEA cots sold in Australia are designed to comply with the mandatory Australian and New Zealand safety standard for cots (AS/NZS 2172). The ACCC takes cot safety extremely seriously here, and any cot legally sold in Australia must meet strict requirements around bar spacing, depth of the cot base, gaps, and structural strength.
A few things worth knowing before you commit:
- Bar spacing: Gaps between the bars must be between 50mm and 95mm so a baby’s head or limbs can’t get trapped. Both the Sundvik and Sniglar are built to this.
- Mattress base depth: The standard requires enough depth so an older baby can’t climb out easily once the base is on its lowest setting.
- No cut-out shapes or footholds: Decorative cut-outs are a no-go under Australian rules, and you won’t find them on IKEA’s current cots.
One important caveat: a cot is only as safe as its assembly. The most common safety issue with any flat-pack cot isn’t the design, it’s bolts that weren’t tightened properly, or a base set at the wrong height. Follow the instructions to the letter, check every fixing, and re-tighten everything after a few weeks of use, because timber settles. If you ever buy an IKEA cot second-hand (very common with these), make sure you get every original part and the instructions, and never use one that’s missing fixings or has been modified.
IKEA Sniglar cot: the no-frills budget hero
The IKEA Sniglar cot is the one most people picture when they think “cheap and cheerful.” It’s made from solid, untreated beech with a clean, pared-back Scandinavian look, no paint, no fuss, just honest timber. For a lot of mums chasing a natural, minimalist nursery, that raw beech finish is actually a selling point rather than a compromise.
Approx. RRP (2026): around $130–$170 for the cot frame (mattress sold separately).
What’s good about it
- Genuinely affordable. It’s consistently one of the lowest-priced new cots that still meets the Australian standard.
- Two base heights. You can set the mattress base high for a newborn (saving your back during those endless lift-ins and lift-outs) and lower it once baby starts pulling up to stand.
- Lightweight and easy to move. If you’re shuffling rooms or want the cot in your room initially, it’s not a two-person heavy lift.
- That natural timber look. Untreated beech suits the warm, neutral nurseries that are everywhere in 2026.
What to keep in mind
- It does not convert. The Sniglar is a cot and only a cot, no toddler bed conversion. Once your child outgrows it, you’re buying a bed.
- No drop side or fancy features (which is fine, drop sides are no longer recommended anyway).
- Untreated timber can mark. The raw finish shows scuffs and the inevitable teething bite marks more readily than a sealed surface. Some parents apply a baby-safe oil; check the care guidance first.
- Mattress not included, budget for this separately (more on that below).
Best for: first-time parents on a tight budget, smaller nurseries, anyone after a natural-timber minimalist look, or as a second cot for the grandparents’ place or a holiday house.
IKEA Sundvik cot: the convertible all-rounder
The IKEA Sundvik cot is the step-up model, and it’s the one I steer most expecting mums towards if their budget stretches a little further. It has a more finished, traditional look, available in a soft grey-brown and a crisp white, and crucially, it’s an extendable cot that grows with your child.
Approx. RRP (2026): around $230–$280 for the cot frame (mattress sold separately).
What’s good about it
- Converts to a toddler bed. One side panel removes so the Sundvik becomes a junior bed when your little one is ready to climb out, which can save you buying a separate bed down the track.
- Two base heights, same as the Sniglar, high for newborns, low for movers and shakers.
- More polished finish. The painted/sealed surfaces wipe clean easily, a genuine bonus when you’re dealing with reflux, dribble and teething.
- Coordinating range. Sundvik comes as a wider nursery family (change table, wardrobe, drawers) if you like a matchy-matchy room.
What to keep in mind
- Heavier and bulkier than the Sniglar, get a second pair of hands for assembly and moving.
- More fixings, more steps. Set aside a proper hour or two for the build and a cuppa for afterwards.
- Still no mattress included, so factor that in.
- The toddler-bed conversion isn’t a full single bed, it’s a junior size, so you’ll still upgrade eventually, just later.
Best for: parents who want one cot to last through the toddler years, those after a cleaner wipeable finish, and anyone building a coordinated nursery without the designer price tag.
Sundvik vs Sniglar: the head-to-head
Here’s the quick comparison so you can see them side by side at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sniglar Cot | IKEA | Solid untreated beech, 2 base heights, lightweight, no conversion | Tight budgets, small rooms, natural-timber look |
| Sundvik Cot | IKEA | Converts to toddler bed, 2 base heights, wipeable finish, matching range | One cot for the long haul, polished nursery look |
The honest verdict: if you only look at the sticker price, the Sniglar wins. But when you factor in the toddler-bed conversion and the easier-to-clean finish, the Sundvik is the better value over the whole journey for most families. You’re effectively buying a cot and a junior bed in one. The Sniglar makes more sense when budget is the absolute deciding factor, when you specifically love the raw timber aesthetic, or when you simply don’t need it to convert.
We’ve reviewed 21 cots & cribs in total — compare the full list before you decide.
How IKEA cots compare to other Australian favourites
IKEA isn’t the only game in town, and it’s worth knowing your alternatives, especially if you want a cot that converts all the way to a full single bed, or you’re after Australian-designed pedigree. Here are a few real models Aussie mums consistently rate, with their honest trade-offs.
Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot
A premium Australian-favourite from a brand with serious nursery heritage. The Boori Eton Convertible Plus converts from a cot to a toddler bed and then to a sofa or junior day bed, and the build quality is genuinely lovely, solid timber with a reassuring heft.
- Pros: beautiful finish, multi-stage conversion, brilliant resale value.
- Cons: a big jump in price (approx. RRP around $900–$1,200), and conversion kits/mattress may be extra.
Boori Turin Cot
Another strong Boori option with a more contemporary, rounded look. The Boori Turin is a sturdy convertible cot that suits parents wanting that designer nursery feel without going fully custom.
- Pros: elegant design, robust timber, converts onward.
- Cons: premium pricing (approx. RRP around $800–$1,100), heavier to move.
Love N Care Noble Cot
A popular mid-range Australian pick that sits price-wise between IKEA and Boori. The Love N Care Noble is a 4-in-1 convertible cot that takes you from cot to toddler bed to day bed.
- Pros: good value convertible (approx. RRP around $400–$600), classic look, multiple stages.
- Cons: heavier flat-pack assembly, conversion may need extra parts.
Love N Care Noble Cot
Grotime Sprout Cot
The Grotime Sprout is another well-known Australian convertible cot that’s frequently recommended for families wanting a long-lasting bed at a moderate price (approx. RRP around $450–$650). It’s a sensible middle ground if the IKEA range feels too basic but Boori feels too dear.
So where does IKEA land? Squarely as the value champion. You won’t get the multi-stage, full-single conversion or the premium timber of a Boori, but for a fraction of the price you get a safe, standards-compliant cot that does the core job beautifully. For many Aussie families, especially with the cost of everything in 2026, that trade-off is an easy yes.
Don’t forget the mattress: cots and mattresses that fit
Here’s the bit that trips a lot of new parents up: IKEA cots are sold without a mattress, and the mattress matters every bit as much as the cot itself. When it comes to cots and mattresses, the golden rule under Australian guidance is a firm, flat, well-fitting mattress with no more than a 20mm gap between the mattress edge and the cot sides. A too-soft or ill-fitting mattress is a genuine safe-sleep risk, so this isn’t a corner to cut.
Both the Sniglar and Sundvik take a standard cot mattress size, and IKEA sells its own to fit. A couple of mattress options Aussie mums consider:
- IKEA Jattevra / Pelleplutt cot mattresses, affordable foam options designed to fit IKEA cots snugly (approx. RRP around $50–$120 depending on the model). Always double-check the dimensions match your cot.
- Boori Breathable Cot Mattress, a step-up option with breathable construction (approx. RRP around $200–$300); confirm it suits the IKEA cot’s internal dimensions before buying, as not every premium mattress fits a non-matching frame perfectly.
Whatever you choose, prioritise: a firm surface, the right size for a snug fit, breathability, and a removable, washable cover (you will be very grateful for this the first time a nappy leaks at 3am). Don’t be tempted by a thick, plush mattress that looks comfy, for babies, firm is safe.
Assembly, longevity and real-life living with an IKEA cot
Let’s talk practicalities, because a cot lives in your home for years and you’ll interact with it daily.
Assembly. Both IKEA cots come flat-packed with the trusty Allen key included. The Sniglar is the quicker build, many parents knock it over in 30–45 minutes solo. The Sundvik takes longer and is genuinely easier with two people, especially when fitting the side panels. My tip: build it in the room it’s going to live in, because a fully assembled cot is awkward to carry through doorways.
Stability over time. Timber expands and contracts with our Aussie climate swings, think humid summers up north and dry, heated winter rooms down south. Re-check and re-tighten all bolts a few weeks after assembly and then every few months. A wobbly cot is almost always a loose-bolt issue, not a faulty cot.
Teething marks. Babies chew cot rails, it’s a rite of passage. The Sundvik’s sealed finish handles this a little better cosmetically, while the Sniglar’s raw beech will show marks more. Neither is a safety issue; it’s purely about looks and resale.
Resale and reuse. IKEA cots hold modest resale value and are super common on the second-hand market. If you’re planning more children, the Sundvik’s conversion and tidier finish make it the more re-usable of the two. Just remember the safety note: only pass on or buy a cot that’s complete, undamaged and standards-compliant.
mum.com.au Approved: our pick of the IKEA cot range
After weighing up price, safety, longevity and how these cots actually perform in a real Aussie home, here’s where we land.
mum.com.au Approved, Best overall IKEA cot: IKEA Sundvik Cot. For most families, the Sundvik is the smarter buy. The toddler-bed conversion stretches its useful life well past the cot years, the wipeable finish copes with real-life mess, and at an approx. RRP of around $230–$280 it’s still outstanding value next to convertible cots that cost three or four times as much. It’s the IKEA cot we’d happily recommend to a first-time mum who wants one good purchase that lasts.
Best budget pick: IKEA Sniglar Cot. If every dollar counts right now, the Sniglar is a brilliant, safe, no-nonsense cot at around $130–$170. You sacrifice the conversion and the polished finish, but you’re not sacrificing safety, and that natural beech look is genuinely lovely in a neutral nursery.
Best step-up alternative: Boori Eton Convertible Plus. If your budget allows and you want a cot that converts all the way through to a junior day bed with heirloom-quality timber, the Boori Eton Convertible Plus is the one worth saving for (approx. RRP around $900–$1,200).
Remember to budget separately for a firm, well-fitting cot mattress whichever frame you choose, it’s not an optional extra.
Our top pick across the board for most Australian families.
The value choice when you want the essentials without overspending.
Price checked 27 Jun 2026
The splurge pick if you want the most features and finish.
Frequently asked questions about IKEA cots
Are IKEA cots safe for newborns in Australia?
Yes. The IKEA cots sold in Australia are designed to meet the mandatory Australian/New Zealand cot safety standard (AS/NZS 2172), which covers bar spacing, base depth and structural strength. The key is correct assembly, follow the instructions exactly, tighten every fixing, set the base to the highest position only while baby is a young, non-mobile newborn, and pair the cot with a firm, well-fitting mattress.
Does the IKEA cot come with a mattress?
No, both the Sniglar and Sundvik are sold as the frame only. You’ll need to buy a cot mattress separately. Make sure it’s firm, the correct size for a snug fit (no more than a 20mm gap around the edges), and ideally has a removable, washable cover. IKEA sells its own fitting mattresses, or you can choose a compatible brand as long as the dimensions match.
Can the IKEA Sundvik cot convert to a bed?
Yes. The Sundvik is an extendable cot, one side panel can be removed to turn it into a junior/toddler bed once your child is ready to transition out of the cot. The Sniglar does not convert; it’s a cot only. If you want conversion in your IKEA cot, the Sundvik is the one to choose.
Which is better value, the Sniglar or the Sundvik?
The Sniglar is cheaper upfront, but the Sundvik usually offers better value across the whole journey because it converts to a toddler bed and has a more durable, wipeable finish. If budget is the absolute priority, go Sniglar. If you want one cot to see you through to the toddler years, the Sundvik earns its slightly higher price.
How long can a baby sleep in an IKEA cot?
Most children use a cot until around 2 to 3.5 years, or until they’re tall enough or active enough to start climbing out, that’s the signal it’s time to move on. With the Sundvik, you can then convert it to a junior bed and keep going a while longer. With the Sniglar, you’ll move to a separate bed at that point.
The bottom line
An IKEA cot is one of the easiest wins in the whole nursery shopping experience: safe, standards-compliant, well-designed and refreshingly affordable in a year when every grocery shop seems to cost more than the last. Between the two, the IKEA Sundvik is our overall pick for most Australian families thanks to its toddler-bed conversion and easy-clean finish, while the IKEA Sniglar remains a brilliant budget hero if you want safe and simple without the extra spend.
Whichever you choose, don’t skimp on the mattress, take your time with assembly, and re-tighten those bolts now and then. Get those basics right and your little one will sleep soundly, and so, hopefully, will you. For the latest pricing and to see where each cot and mattress is available right now, head to our live comparison pages below.
Where to buy these picks
✓ Verified prices are checked live at the retailer. Otherwise we show the approximate RRP (an indicative recommended price, not a live retailer price), or “price pending” where we don’t have one.
Sundvik Cot
★ Best for Scandi nurseries
Boori Turin / Boori Cots
Sniglar Cot
Best for tight budgets
Love N Care Noble Cot
Best for mid-range families
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