Household cots
A safe cot is one that meets Australian Standard safety requirements.
All new, second-hand cots and portable cots sold in Australia must meet the current Australian and New Zealand Standard for Cots (AS/NZS 2172:2003) and will carry a label to say so. If you are planning to use a second-hand cot, check that it meets those standards. Look for the label on the cot, instructions or packaging.
Old or second-hand cots may be dangerous - if you don’t know that it meets current safety standards, is damaged or shows signs of wear and tear, it is safe to say do not place baby in that cot.
Only use a single, firm, mattress that fits snugly (within 20 mm of sides and ends) into the cot. The safety standard of the cot is inclusive of the mattress so to maintain compliance it is advisable to use the mattress that came with the cot. The mattress must be flat (not tilted or elevated). Do not use pillows, cot bumpers, loose items or soft bedding as these have been associated with fatal sleep accidents.
Bassinets
Bassinets may also be used to sleep the baby in the parents’ or caregivers’ bedroom for the first few months of life.
Be careful! There are currently no mandatory safety standards for bassinets in Australia. Always follow the guidelines from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) when choosing a safer bassinet.
Learn more from the ACCC.
REMEMBER: it is important to transfer baby from a bassinet to a cot as soon as they show signs that they might start rolling soon. For further details about cot safety, see the Australian Government’s Product Safety website at productsafety.gov.au.
Last modified: 24/1/24