Target Cots

[Pandora]

The choice baby products guide is very good, and might be useful for you to look at - they have it at most bookshops, or it may be on the website (some product test results are free to download others are not)

Here is an extract of what to look for from the choice website. If anyone wants a copy of the full report with test results for 10 cots (was done in mid 2006) email me rachael@bellybelly.com.au and I will send it to you in word format.

Sturdy and durable — All components should be permanently fixed or require the use of a tool to take apart.
Deep enough to stop a child falling out — The distance from the top of the mattress in the cot to the top of the lowest side when the dropside is up should be at least 500 mm with the base set in the lowest position, and at least 300 mm when it’s in the upper position. The depth from top of the mattress to the top of the dropside should be at least 150 mm when the dropside is down.
The mattress fits snugly around all sides — When you choose a mattress make sure the gap between the edge of the mattress and the adjacent cot side is no more than 40 mm when the mattress is pushed to the opposite side.
There are no head entrapment hazards — Any large space or opening between adjacent components must be between 50 mm and 95 mm to avoid the baby’s head getting trapped.
No limb entrapment hazards — Smaller openings shouldn’t be between 30 mm and 50 mm wide.
No finger entrapment hazard — Any very small space or opening between adjacent components shouldn’t be between 5 mm and 12 mm wide (unless it's at least 20 mm long), so little fingers don’t get caught.
No hazardous protrusions — No components should stick out or up to snag on a child’s clothing, and all edges should be blunted, smooth and gently contoured.
No footholds — There should be no bars or other structures in the cot (or even any included toys) that could by used by the child as a ledge for climbing out.
And for the carer:
The dropside should be secure and smooth to operate — The dropside on the cot should be impossible for a child to open but convenient for the child’s carer to operate.
The dropside doesn’t crush your feet when you open it — To clear your feet, the bottom of the dropside when it’s open should be at least 50 mm off the floor.

Secondhand cots
It’s generally recommended you don’t buy a secondhand cot. Secondhand and heirloom cots can be a hazard to children:
The gaps between their bars can be too wide.
Some have protrusions on corners that can create a strangulation hazard.
Their catches can be too easy to undo.
They can be painted with lead paint that children can chew on and swallow when they're teething.

I would consider a second hand cot if I knew the person it came from, how old it was and if it still met safety standards.

The cot you saw may seem flimsy when becuase it was not well assembled. Or it may be a piece of crap.

We have a boori cot, which was quite expensive, but by the time we have another bub Milo will be in a bed so we will re-use it.

[Kitty33]

Hi reneenay,
I didnt buy a cot from target but I bought absolutly everything else from there!!

I bought pram, car seat, change table and other tids and bits... I found them all to be GREAT... and yes I agree.. the cots looks flimsy but as mum2bee said it passed the 'shake the buggery' out of it test
I just bought a cot this week from ebay... the seller is babygoodsgearandstuff.. the cot was excellent... brand new, in the box.. they deliver all over australia.. just need to contact her for the cost... I know perth is a bit of a stretch but its worth a lookiesee!! Same prices as Target but a wee bit better quality

Good luck!!!