Working out where your new baby will sleep is all part of good preparation for the arrival of your little one. When it comes to cots, you might feel pressured into buying the latest or most expensive product on the market. Also, there might be a cheaper or preloved option, or maybe even a hand-me-down available.
Regardless of the cot you choose, it’s always important to check safety features. Checking for all these things can take time, but can give you peace of mind when trying to create a safe space for your child when they sleep.
Regardless of the type, or condition of the cot you choose, it is important to check the safety features.
Even though a cot is available for sale, in store or online, doesn’t mean that it has been tested against or complies with Australian safety standards.
Make sure that the cot you plan to use has a sticker on it showing its compliance with Australian Standard AS/ NZS 2172: 2003. This standard applies to all household cots regardless if they are new, second hand, antique or even family heirlooms. If a cot meets this standard, you know that the design has been tested to meet recognised safety standards.
The main guidelines for cot structures to follow include:
Once you’ve taken your cot home, there are some additional things you can do to ensure your child’s safety when in their cot.
If you are considering using a cot that doesn’t appear to meet Australian Safety Standards, websites such as Choice and Product Safety Australia have more information, including lists of cots that do not meet the safety standards. These websites also have other resources that you may find useful such as the ‘Keeping baby safe’ video on the Product Safety Australia website.