The purchase of a baby cot and bedding is part of the many essential things that need to be provided for a new baby. Many parents use a cot for their babies and young children as a confined safe place for them to sleep which is away from dangers and risks, other children and pets. There are many different designs of baby cots on the market and it is important that when choosing the right one for your baby the focus is on safety rather than the aesthetics of the cot.
When purchasing and using a baby cot there are few things that need to be considered so that you will select a cot that is safe and suitable for you and your babies needs. Considerations include ensuring the cot meets the Australian Standard, the design is suitable with no sharp edges or places that the baby can hurt itself, the mattress is well fitted with no gaps at the sides, minor maintenance such as tightening nuts and bolts can be performed and checked and the cot has all the extra features that you and the baby require.
In Australia and New Zealand all cots that are available on the market must pass a Standard which dictates various safety requirements that the cot has to pass. When purchasing a new or second hand bed for your baby this information should be available at the point of purchase. Baby cots that do not meet the standard are prohibited from sale in Australia. This includes new and second hand cots.
The design and the safety features need also to be considered when deciding what you require. Things to look for on the cot are child proof catches, no sharp edges or corners, no areas that the baby can stick their arms or legs and the cot is made of sturdy construction. These features are also covered by the Australian cot Standard but many manufactures have designed cots that exceed this standard to ensure that they are safe to use.
A well fitting mattress is an essential for your babies cot. The mattress should be firm and well fitting with no gaps along the sides or the ends. Gaps between the mattress and the side of the cot can potentially be dangerous if the child gets caught or a leg or arm gets caught between the mattress and the side of the cot.
Apart from the safety requirements it is also a good idea to select a cot that has extra features that will make life easier for you and happier for the baby. Things such as easy one handed operation for those times when you are on your own and holding the baby in the other hand. Baby cots come with many extra features which can make life a bit easier for mum or dad.