Buying a cot is one of the first big nursery decisions, and it is also one of the few baby products in Australia governed by a mandatory safety standard. Knowing what that standard covers makes the choice much simpler, and helps you spot a cot that should not be on sale at all.
Australia has a mandatory cot standard
Household cots sold in Australia must comply with AS/NZS 2172. This is not a voluntary quality mark; it is a legal requirement enforced by the ACCC. Any new cot you buy from a reputable Australian retailer should state compliance on the packaging or product listing.
Portable and folding cots fall under a different standard, AS/NZS 2195, so do not assume a travel cot and a household cot are interchangeable.
The four measurements that matter
1. Bar spacing
Gaps between the vertical bars should be no less than 50mm and no more than 95mm. Narrower than 50mm and a baby's arm or leg can wedge; wider than 95mm and a head can pass through.
2. The mattress gap
This is the one most people get wrong. The gap between the mattress and any side or end of the cot should be no more than 20mm. A mattress that is too small leaves a space a baby can roll into. Always match the mattress to the cot's internal dimensions rather than buying a standard size and hoping.
3. Cot depth
Measured from the top of the lowest side to the mattress base at its lowest setting, the depth should be at least 600mm. This is what stops a standing toddler from climbing out.
4. Protrusions
Corner posts, screws and decorative knobs should not stick up more than 5mm. Anything taller can catch clothing.
A quick in-store checklist
- Compliance with AS/NZS 2172 clearly stated
- No gaps wider than 20mm once the mattress is in
- Adjustable mattress base, high for a newborn and low once baby sits up
- Smooth, non-toxic finish with no chipping or splinters
- Stable frame that does not rock when you push the sides
- Wheels that lock, if the cot has them
Be careful with second-hand and heirloom cots
Older cots, including much-loved family ones, often predate the current standard. Drop-side cots in particular have been withdrawn from sale in Australia. If a cot has been repainted, the paint underneath may contain lead. If you cannot verify the cot's age and compliance, it is safer to use it as furniture, not as a bed.
Safe sleep goes beyond the cot itself
A compliant cot is the frame; how you set it up matters just as much. Red Nose Australia recommends placing baby on their back to sleep, keeping the cot free of pillows, doonas, bumpers and soft toys, and positioning the cot away from curtain cords, heaters and blind chains.
A firm, well-fitting mattress with a fitted sheet is all that is needed. If you are worried about warmth, a correctly sized sleeping bag is safer than loose blankets.
Frequently asked questions
How long will a baby use a cot?
Most children move to a bed somewhere between two and three and a half years, or earlier if they start climbing out. Convertible cots that become a toddler bed extend that life considerably.
Can I use a second-hand mattress?
It is not recommended. Mattresses soften and compress with use, and firmness is central to safe sleep. A new mattress is one of the cheaper items in a nursery and worth buying fresh.
Do I need a mattress protector?
Yes. A firm, well-fitted protector keeps the mattress hygienic through the inevitable spills. Avoid thick, padded or loose plastic protectors that can bunch.
Where to start
At Babyworth we stock cots, cot mattresses, bassinets and complete nursery packages, and you are welcome to see them in person at our Peakhurst showroom in Sydney before you decide.
This article is general information only. For current safety requirements see the ACCC's Product Safety Australia site, and for safe sleep guidance see Red Nose Australia.