Cot Safety Guidelines

If you're a new parent, it's important to be aware of guidelines for your baby's bed. These guidelines are set out by official organisations to ensure the optimum safety for your baby while they're sleeping or even just playing in their bed. Since your baby's bed is the only place you'll ever leave them unattended - even for a minute - its important that it be as safe as possible and to follow all safety regulations.

Here are some guidelines for keeping your baby safe in their cot:
Avoid headboards with cut outs or other decor. It is easy for a baby to get their head stuck or scrape themselves on them, and therefore they should be avoided. Also avoid decorative posts or other additions.

If the cot has wheels, ensure that at least two of them have brakes you can put on if you leave the room. It is however best to avoid wheels altogether!

Specifications for the cot rails include at least 66 cm between the raised cot rails and the top of the cot mattress; at least 22 cm between lowered crib rails and the top of the mattress, and rail slats that are between 3cm and 7.5cm apart.

Specifications for the mattress include that it should be fire-safe, which all newer mattresses are required to be; that it fits snugly in the cot with less than two finger widths of space between mattress and cot; that it has squared corners and no sharp edges or rough services; and that the mattress is firm for optimal support.

Single drop sides are more stable than double-drop sides, and metal supports are much sturdier than wood or plastic.

Think twice before getting an older bed or one that has been used before. A used cot could have all sorts of safety hazards, from lead paint to worn parts. Though it may be more expensive, buying a cot new is the best way to ensure you get one that has the correct specifications.

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