Cot Safety: The Most Important Thing About Choosing Acotistomakesurethatitwillbeasafe Place For Your Child

Cot Safety
Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia
March 2013
Second-hand cots
Second-hand cots have the same design and
construction requirements as new cots. There are
three exceptions:
protrusions must be no greater than 8mm
there must be no gaps greater than 95mm but
there is no requirement preventing gaps
between 30 and 50mm
there are no requirements for informative labels
and safety markings.
Regardless of these exceptions, it is recommended
to use only a good second-hand cot that comes with
all necessary parts in good working order and with
full instructions for its safe assembly and use.
The most important thing about choosing

a cot is to make sure that it will be a safe
place for your child.
Babies and small children spend a great deal of
time in their cots so its essential that their cots
are safe.
Online Purchasing
Be careful when buying online. Check that your
purchases meet mandatory Australian safety
standards and have not been recalled in Australia or
another country. Consumer guarantees may be
difficult to enforce if you purchase a product from an
overseas supplier and you may not be able to obtain
compensation if the goods cause an injury.
Many cot-related injuries happen when a child

falls while trying to climb out of the cot. Children
are also injured when part of the cot breaks or
doesnt work properly, such as the side falls
down, the base falls out, or screws come loose.
Serious injury or death can occur when the childs
head and upper body are caught in gaps. This is
more likely to occur with cots that are older or that
have been modified. Sometimes fingers get
caught in holes, limbs lodge in spaces and the
head gets stuck in a gap.
Household cots must comply with the safety
requirements of Australian New Zealand Standard
AS/NZS 2172:2010 Cots for household use
Safety requirements.
Cots must be safely designed and constructed so
they have no climb-out or fall-out hazards, strangulation hazards, head, arm or leg entrapment
hazards. They should not cause injury to fingers
and toes or have sharp pieces that could cause a
childs clothing to catch on them.
Bumper Pads Warning

Cot bumper pads are a very common
baby product, and parents often use
bumper pads thinking they are
increasing the safety of their child's
cot. However, bumpers put children
at greater risk for suffocation or
strangulation. It is nearly impossible
for an infant to hit his or her head
hard enough on the crib to cause
bruising or injury. For more
information on safe sleeping visit
sidsandkids.org
Safety Features for Cots

Make sure the cot has an Australian Standard
sticker stating that it complies with the
mandatory product safety standard.
Make sure the mattress fits snugly at the sides
and the ends of the cot. Any gap should be less
than the size of your index finger.
Check that drop side mechanisms are secure
and easy for an adult to use, but not a child.
Make sure there are no horizontal bars or
decorations which could be used as a foot hold.
Check there are no sharp pieces to catch
clothing.
Always follow the manufacturers assembly
instructions and keep them somewhere safe to
refer to when required.
Safe Practices
Below are some simple suggestions for a daily
routine to ensure your childs safety:
Cots and beds must be placed well away
from exposed blind and curtain cords. Cords
should be kept out of the childs reach and
secured to a cleat, hook, or other safety
device.
Position the cot away from windows, heaters
and power points to reduce risk of injury from
falls, burns and electrocution.
Check cot regularly for wear and tear. Repair
any hazards immediately and do not use the
cot until this hazard is fixed. Peeling paint
could cause choking.
Remove any items that your child could use
as a climbing aid, including large toys, cot
bumpers and cushions.
Refrain from placing small items into your
childs cot or in reach of your child, as these
could cause choking.
Items such as pictures and mirrors can fall
and should not be hung over cots. Dont put
toys or mobiles with stretch elastic cords
nearby.
For further information refer to

the ACCC safety alert
brochure titled Cots
available at
productsafety.gov.au
Visit the Product Recalls
Australia website at
recalls.gov.au
or contact the
ACCC Infocentre
1300 302 502
Ensure any adjustable base on the cot is

moved to the lowest setting as soon as the
child can sit unaided.
Do not use pillows or bumpers. Children can
become wedged in a pillow or bumper and
suffocate.
Never use electric blankets or hot water
bottles for babies or young children.
When children start to climb, it is a sure sign
they have outgrown their cots. When this
happens, it is time to investigate safer
sleeping arrangements such as a low bed or
mattress on the floor. Some parents use a cot
that can be converted to a toddler bed.
KIDSAFE NEW SOUTH WALES Inc.

P: 02 9845 0890 F: 02 9845 0895
E: kidsafe@chw.edu.au
kidsafensw.org
Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia

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Cot Safety

Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia

The most important thing about choosing

Many cot-related injuries happen when a child

Bumper Pads Warning

Safety Features for Cots

For further information refer to

Ensure any adjustable base on the cot is

KIDSAFE NEW SOUTH WALES Inc.

Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia

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