Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Cots

5-minute read

Cots are a contained sleeping environment where children can be left to rest. It is important that cots are safe and secure.

You do not have to buy the latest or most expensive model of cot. But whatever cot you choose, it is very important to make sure it meets specific safety requirements. That is because babies and young children can become injured or even die in unsafe cots.

In Australia, all new and second-hand cots must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172:2003 Cots for household use — safety requirements. Antique and collectable cots must also display a warning sign that they are for display purposes only.

Buying a cot

When you buy a cot, take a tape measure with you and make sure:

  • the base of the mattress to the top of the lowest side of the cot is more than 600mm, to prevent the child from climbing out
  • the mattress fits firmly in the cot, to prevent suffocation. Any gaps at the ends and sides should be less than 20mm
  • the bars are smooth, securely fixed, and do not have any gaps that could trap a child's limbs or head
  • the 4 corner-posts are no more than 5mm higher than the cot sides (8mm for second-hand cots)
  • the drop-side catches lock securely
  • screws and nails do not stick out
  • cot ends do not have fancy cut-outs
  • there are not any bars, ledges or other footholds that a young child can use to climb out of the cot
  • the base of the cot is firm with no parts to collapse or bend when pushed down

Second-hand cots

Before you buy or use a second-hand cot, go through the safety checklist (above). You should also check carefully that all parts are in working order and all bolts and screws are firmly in place and not sticking out, inside or outside the cot. If there are any broken or wobbly bars, repair them before your baby sleeps in the cot.

It is also important to check old cots for poisonous lead-based paint. If you are unsure if the cot is painted with lead-based paint, you will need to strip it back and repaint it.

Mattresses

Some mattresses have a note saying they are approved by health professionals. This does not necessarily mean that the mattress is safe or right for your cot.

The most important thing is to choose a mattress that is firm and well-fitting. A mattress protector should be strong and fit the mattress firmly.

Tea-tree mattresses may become uneven as the baby becomes heavier, allowing the baby to roll over more easily. If you decide to use one, you need to check it often to make sure it stays firm.

Make sure you remove plastic wrapping from new mattresses, as this could suffocate a baby.

Portable cots

Portable cots are folding cots that are designed to be used temporarily. They can also be dangerous for children if they climb out or get trapped.

Only buy a portable cot that meets the Safety Standard AS/NZS 2195:1999. Make sure it is in good working order and that you follow the instructions exactly so it cannot collapse.

Do not use a thick mattress in a portable cot as a baby can get caught between the mattress and the stretchable cot side. Make sure you buy a mattress that meets the specified dimensions of the cot.

Where to put the cot

When you bring the cot home, place it away from curtain or blind cords and other cords or ropes in which the baby could get tangled. Have mobiles and toys well out of reach, and make sure the walls above the cot do not have pictures or mirrors that could fall and injure the child.

The cot should be away from power points, heaters, electrical appliances and lights.

Make sure it is away from windows, especially if the window is not on the ground floor.

Setting up the cot

Costs usually have an adjustable base that can be raised for young babies and lowered as they grow bigger.

For young babies, the distance between the base and the top edge of the lowest side of the cot (when it is closed) should be at least 40 cm. When the baby is bigger and can sit by themselves, the distance should be 60cm.

Bedding can pose a risk to babies. You should be very careful that the bedding cannot cover the baby's face or obstruct their breathing. A good way to make sure is to use an infant sleeping bag, with a fitted neck and armholes and no hood.

If you are using blankets, make sure they are tucked firmly into the mattress at the base and do not come up further than the baby's chest. Place the baby with their feet at the base of the cot.

It is recommended that you do not use pillows, doonas, loose bedding, lambswool, bumpers or soft toys in a cot. These may suffocate the baby, be used as climbing aids, or pose a choking risk.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: April 2021


Back To Top

Need more information?

Safe sleeping - Ngala

The safest place for a baby to sleep is in the same room as an adult caregiver on their own sleep surface (like a bassinet, cot or a sleep pepi pod) for the first six to 12 months

Read more on Ngala website

Sleep and Settling

At Karitane, we encourage sleeping strategies that respond to your baby’s cues. Doing so will help them feel contained, safe and secure.

Read more on Karitane website

Sharing a room with baby reduces SUDI risk | Raising Children Network

When baby sleeps in a cot next to your bed, sharing a room with your baby reduces SUDI risk. Get more safe sleeping information.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

What is a Safe Cot? | Red Nose Australia

Read more on Red Nose website

Moving from cot to bed

Most children move from a cot to a bed between 18 months and 3 1/2 years. Learn when is the right time to move your child and how to make your house safe.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Moving from cot to bed: tips and ideas | Raising Children Network

Moving from cot to bed is exciting, but there’s no hurry. Safe options include a toddler bed, a mattress on the floor away from walls, or rails on the bed.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Making Your Home Safe Before Moving a Child From a Cot to a Bed | Red Nose Australia

Read more on Red Nose website

Where to Sleep a Child Who Has Moved From a Cot | Red Nose Australia

Read more on Red Nose website

Safe sleep for babies

It is important to ensure an infants sleeping area is kept safe. Experts have identified certain things can help reduce the risk of death and injuries.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Parents’ Guide to choosing a cot with Starting Blocks

What parents should look out for when choosing a cot for their new baby.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.