Is your baby’s cot safe? One thing you learn not to take for granted when you are a new parent is sleep. Good quality sleep is what you want, not only for yourself and your partner but for your baby, too – after all, you’ll only be sleeping as well as they do.
Dangerous Features To Avoid When Buying A Cot
So, we’d say that having a safe and comfortable place for your little one to sleep needs to be at the top of your priority list. But hang on there, aren’t all cots supposed to be safe?
The Australian government has set some pretty high safety standards for cots, but it’s all for good reason. In 2022 alone, there were a reported 117 sudden and unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) cases in Australia. Unsafe sleep environments are a huge contributor to these heartbreaking numbers, but thankfully, due to the improvement of safety standards, including those pertaining to cots, there has been a reduction in sudden infant deaths by 80% since 1989. Needless to say, we can see why having high safety standards is a valid concern for parents and the Australian government alike.
So, what are some features that are considered dangerous when buying a cot? Keep on reading, and we’ll list all the dangerous features to look out for and avoid on a cot.
1. Rocking cots
At first, you think, “Oh, how sweet, I can rock my baby to sleep.” Unfortunately, rocking cots are a huge safety hazard for babies. There have been many incidents where babies have been severely or fatally injured when in a rocking cot. Most of the situations happened because babies attempted to climb over the rail or older siblings pulled on the side of the rail, which caused the cot to topple over. It may seem rather cutesy, but it’s highly dangerous.
2. Cots with wide-spaced slats
The wider the slats are spaced on your little one’s cot, the more space you leave for injuries. The problem with cots with wide-spaced slats is that babies may try to stick their heads or body between the slats and then become trapped. This could lead to some serious injuries or even suffocation. So, when looking for a cot, ensure that the slats are spaces no further than 50mm apart according to AS/NZS 2172:2013 safety standards.
3. Cots that lack proper mattress support
The mattress is a vital component of your baby’s cot – and it’s not just for comfort. A cot mattress should always be firm, sturdy and securely attached to prevent it from collapsing under your baby. Not only is a poorly designed mattress support uncomfortable for your little one, but it could also cause them to suffocate if they lie face down at any time when they sleep.
4. Cots made from softwoods
When you buy a cot, you need to think ‘sturdy’ and ‘strong’ because, ultimately, it needs to be a safe environment that you know will support them – cots made from cheap softwoods like pine are not going to give you that peace of mind. Due to the wood’s soft characteristics, the cot’s hardware may loosen, which is a huge safety concern because you don’t want your baby to pull themselves up on the railing and have it fall under their weight.
5. Cots that lack proper ventilation
We see the need to avoid softwoods, but on the other side of the spectrum, you don’t want your cot to be so solid that it lacks proper ventilation. Up until they are six months old, your babies cannot regulate their body temperature properly and rely on their cot and mattress being well-ventilated to prevent them from overheating.
6. Cots with cutesy cut-outs and shapes
Yes, cutouts look adorable on a cot, but they do pose a strangulation risk, and that’s not cute at all. With the different cutouts and shapes, your baby’s clothes or dummy could get caught, and this is a huge hazard. It’s best to play it safe when buying a cot and look for one with a simple design.
7. Toxic paint
Babies are constantly curious about the world around them, and after all, everything is so new to them. The first way they investigate things is to put things into their mouths or chew on things. With that in mind, always check the paint and finish of the cot you’re buying to ensure it doesn’t use any toxic chemicals.
Final Thoughts When Buying A Cot
Your baby’s cot should always be the safest piece of furniture in the house, and we should always be mindful of the materials and features it has before buying it. Australia has strict safety standards for all cots that are on the market, which is why it’s always best to buy new ones. We know buying a cot can be quite an expensive purchase, but it’s worth it when you can sleep soundly knowing that your little one is safe at night. So go online and compare prices and features because there’s a safe cot for every style and budget.
