8 Reasons Not to Buy a Cot with an Attached Trundle / Tidy Drawer

At Bubs n Grubs, we’ve thoroughly tested cots with built-in trundle or tidy drawers. While they may seem convenient, there are significant risks-particularly around stability and safety. Below are 8 reasons we advise against choosing a cot with this design, especially in everyday use.

Why this matters for nursery safety

All household cots sold in Australia must meet the mandatory Household Cots Safety Standard based on AS/NZS 2172. Adding a trundle drawer can alter a cot’s stability and structure, increasing safety risks.

1. Increased tipping hazard

When loaded-especially unevenly-the attached drawer can unbalance the cot and create a tipping risk. Cot tests don’t account for a full, heavy drawer placed off-center.

2. Altered structural alignment

Adding weight in the drawer can twist the cot’s frame. This changes the spacing of safety-critical slats or gaps made to prevent entrapment.

3. Jammed drop-side mechanism

When structure shifts, drop sides may become difficult to lower or raise, increasing the chance of damage or malfunction.

4. Surface damage from misalignment

If the drawer isn’t fully pushed in, the drop side may hit and scratch its face or the drawer-which looks unsightly and may undermine warranty claims.

5. Reduced accessibility

Many attached drawers don’t extend fully, limiting storage access when you need it most.

6. Wasted space

Shallow attached drawers often leave unused dead space beneath the cot-defeating the purpose of added storage.

7. Sliding mechanism degradation

Overloaded drawers can bend their rails, making them jam or struggle to glide-again risking warranty exclusions based on “misuse.”

8. Excessive noise

The drawer often squeaks or clunks during movement-especially disruptive when used during nighttime naptimes or sleep.

The Bottom Line

A cot with an attached trundle drawer may compromise safety, usability, convenience. A heavy, fixed-side cot may maintain integrity, but if it includes a trundle drawer, test it extensively (evenly and unevenly loaded) before buying. Never give up the benefits of a drop-side mechanism-it’s significantly kinder on your back and far safer to use.

If you already own a cot with an attached drawer and experience issues, safely remove it or refrain from using it. Explore our range of safe, standard-compliant cots available now.

FAQ: Trundle Drawer Cots & Safety

About the Author

Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. Since 2009, Frank has personally evaluated baby products, consulted on product design, tested nursery gear in real families’ homes. He is an ACRI-trained car seat fitter and is regularly featured on Channel 7 Morning Show and Channel 9 Today as a trusted baby gear expert.

Safety Disclaimer

This article provides general safety information for Australian parents. Always follow product assembly and use instructions, confirm compliance with Australian standards, consult a qualified professional if you’re concerned about nursery products.