Cot Safety For Parents

The Risks:– Babies spend more time alone in cots than anywhere else so it is important that they provide a safe sleeping environment.

n08 Cot related injuries account for about 20 per cent of all children’s injuries involving nursery furniture. Most cot injuries are due to falls from the cot. These are largely due to children falling while trying to climb out of cots (sometimes when the cot dropside is left down).

When children start to climb, it is a sure sign that they have outgrown their cots. When this happens move your child to a single bed.

Cot injuries have also occurred due to:

What Can You Do?

Only buy a cot that complies with Australian Standard (AS/NZS 2172 ask the retailer if the cot complies). All cots sold in Australia must meet this safety standard.) I am sure that all countries would have a standards code for Baby Cots

Use a standard household cot for everyday use not a portable or travel cot. Portable cots are not intended for permanent use.

Do not place the cot near windows, heaters or power points. This will reduce the risk of injuries from falls, burns and electrocutions.

Remove large toys, cots bumpers and cushions from the cot once the child can stand, as these can help the child to climb out.

Do not allow small objects that could cause the child to choke to be placed in the cot or anywhere accessible to the child. Anything smaller than a ping pong ball is a choking hazard to an infant.

Make sure electric blankets and hot water bottles are never used for babies or young children.

Make sure the cot is placed away from any curtain or blind cords to avoid strangulation.

Make sure the space above the cot is free of objects such as pictures or mirrors that could fall on the child.

Make sure there are no more than two legs with castors or that the castors have brakes.

Make sure bases on adjustable base cots are moved to their lowest setting as soon as the child is able to situnaided. There should only be two base height positions.

Always follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions and use the correct tools (and keep them somewhere safe for future reference).

If you buy a second hand cot, make extra sure it meets the essential safety features outlined in this fact sheet. Many old cots are unsafe and generally do not have the safety features of new models.

Critical Cot Dimensions:–

Minimum depth: Should be at least 500mm from the top of the mattress to the lowest point on any side.

Only use the size of mattress recommended by the manufacturer.

Space between bars: Should be between 50mm and 85mm (any wider and a serious head entrapment is created). Any gap over 95mm is a head entrapment hazard.

Spaces between bars and mattress sides: Should not be more than 25mm. An infant can roll face down into a gap and have difficulty rolling over.

Finger traps: There should be no spaces between 5mm and 12mm.

Arm and leg traps: There should be no spaces between 30mm and 50mm.

Protrusions: There should be no protrusions more than 8mm within the cot that are accessible to the child. Clothing can be caught on these and strangle a child.

Our thanks to the Queensland Department of Fair Trading for permission to use this article/

Disclaimer:– This fact sheet aims to provide consumers with a general understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the Queensland marketplace. It is not a comprehensive statement of the law. The laws referred to in this fact sheet are complex and various qualifications may apply to the provisions in different circumstances. You are encouraged to obtain independent legal and financial advice if you are unsure how these laws apply to your situation. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this document, the Queensland Government disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason.