Hazards
falls
strangulation
suffocation
arm, leg and head traps
Many children need hospital treatment every year for serious injuries related to cots.
What to look for
Mandatory standard
The mandatory standard is based on AS/NZS 2172:2003.
Compulsory measurements
For fixed-based cots
The distance from the mattress base to the lowest part of the top of the cot should be at least:
~ 600 mm when drop-side is up
~ 250 mm when drop-side is down.
For adjustable cots
Adjustable cots should only have two base heights. The distance between the top of the mattress base and the lowest part of the top of the cot should be at least:
~ 400 mm when the base is in highest position and the drop-side is up
~ 600 mm when the base is in the lowest position and the drop-side is up
~ 250 mm when the base is in highest position and the drop-side is down
For all cots – gap sizes
~ 50 mm to 95 mm of space between bars or panels—bigger gaps can trap your baby’s head or create spaces large enough for your baby to fall through
~ no more than 20 mm of space between cot sides or ends and a centred mattress—your baby can get stuck between bigger gaps
and suffocate
~ no gaps or openings between 30 mm and 50 mm—these can trap your baby’s arms or legs.
Bits that stick out (protrusions)~ second-hand cots—no more than 8 mm from the top or sides
~ new cots—no more than 5 mm from the top or sides
~ no fittings that can catch your baby’s clothes and cause strangulation
Legs
The mandatory standard allows cots to have one of the following:
~ two castors (wheels) or two glides
~ two castors (wheels) with brakes and two glides, or
~ four castors (wheels)—at least two must have brakes.
Safety habits
Always follow instructions carefully when assembling and using a cot.
Set an adjustable mattress base at the lowest point as soon as your baby can sit up.
Place the cot in a safe spot away from hazards like electrical appliances, windows or blind cords.
Use locking brakes on cots with castors (wheels).
Put the drop-side up when your baby is sleeping.
Never put these things in a cot with your baby:
pillows, especially if your baby is under two
electric blankets or hot water bottles
toys, books or items that a growing baby can use to climb to the top of the sides or ends of the cot and fall
objects that could smother or strangle your baby.
Regularly check drop-side cots While cots with a drop-side make it easier to get your child in and out, you must regularly check this moving part to ensure it’s safe. When a drop-side doesn’t fit properly, is worn, or has loose or missing parts, children can fall out or become trapped in gaps
Safe sleeping
It’s very important to provide a safe sleeping surface for your baby. Only use a firm mattress that fits snugly into the cot. Don’t use cot bumpers
or soft bedding as these have shown to be associated with fatal sleep accidents. Don’t use extra mattresses. Be extremely cautious about using
products advertised as reducing the risk factors associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)—no product has been proven to achieve
this. If you’re concerned, contact your local Kidsafe office or SIDS prevention agency to seek advice on safe infant sleeping.
Bookmarks