02.Cots
Beautiful designs, patterns, colours, bedding and trims are important, of course, but what really counts is your baby's safety.
What to look for
- Look for a cot which has been certified by an independent authority (for example Lloyds, SGS , QAS) as meeting the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 2172:2003).
- Cots should be well-finished and made from quality materials.
- If made of metal, they shouldn't be bent or rusty, and their joints should be close-fitting and securely and cleanly welded.
- Timber cots shouldn't have dowels, nails and screws that are exposed above the surface.
- The timber shouldn't have large knots, insect damage, cracks or splinters.
- There should be no sharp edges or points that could cause a cut or head injury.
- There should be no gaps where children can trap their limbs or head.
- No knobs or protrusions that could catch a child's clothing.
- No decorative transfers that can come off easily.
- No crossbars or trim that could be used as a foothold.
- No bumpers or anything else inside the cot that has strings or ties.
- No choking hazards such as small toys, small items, medication, string or elastic in the cot.
- Make sure that the mattress you buy corresponds to the cot manufacturer's size recommendations - it should fit snugly with no gaps.
- Check that locking devices are easy to use for an adult but very difficult for a child.
- Check that the locking mechanism has a clear difference between locked and unlocked.
- Make sure there are no pillows, comforters or other soft products under infants while they sleep.
- Make sure the cot is placed at a reasonable distance from curtains, blinds, heaters and power points.
- Move children to a single bed once they start climbing out of their cot.
For more information including latest test results see our Cots review.