Safe baby nursery furniture cot and mattress

The cot:

• Look for the Australian and New Zealand safety Standard when buying a cot (Australian Standards AS/NZS 2172 - 'Cots for household use - safety requirements)
• It is illegal to sell a cot that doesn't meet the Standard - this includes second-hand cots
• 25% of all children's injuries relating to nursery furniture involve cots
• This Standard only applies to standard cots - it doesn't cover portable or travel cots, cradles or toddler beds.
• It is recommended that a standard cot be used for everyday use.
• Try to buy a cot with a fixed base that can be secure on a low fitting.

If you have a cot that doesn't have a Standards label, you can ensure that it is safe by checking that it measures:

• At least 600mm - depth from bottom of mattress to top of cot
• At least 500mm - depth from top of mattress to top of cot
• 50mm to 85mm - space between bars
• less than 25mm - space between cot sides/ends and mattress
• less than 8mm - corner posts/ screws and knobs
• No spaces between 5mm and 12mm wide - possible finger traps
• No spaces between 30mm and 50mm wide - possible arm and leg traps
• No spaces 85mm wide or wider - these can trap the head, and your baby could fall out of the cot

Also make sure that you check that:

• All locks and catches are child-proof.
• There are no sharp edges or holes that your baby could poke his fingers into.
• Your cot is in good condition - don't consider using one that is any way broken or damaged.
• Ensure that all connections - the base, the sides - are good and strong and that all screws are tight - it's worth checking these regularly as your baby may loosen them over time by rocking his cot.
• The paint on the cot is lead-free. While a new cot that meets the Australian Standards will be lead-free, you do need to check old cots. If you're in doubt, strip that cot and repaint.