skip navigation to read the content
 
About OCBA Contact us Audio Discussion papers Consumer advice Scam alert Births deaths & marriages Tenancies Youth advice Business advice Real estate Licensing Incorporated Associations Co-operatives Product safety Trade measurement Online services Fees Forms Languages Newsletters Publications Links Frequently asked questions Feedback Sitemap
SA Government logo SA Central logo
 > Product safety  > Regulated goods  > Cots for household use

Cots for household use

On this page


The South Australian product safety law that applies to cots for household use has been introduced to reduce the risk of deaths and injuries to young children. The Standard prescribes safety, construction, performance and labelling requirements.

Compliance with consumer product safety and information standards is mandatory. This means that all suppliers of cots for household use, including manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers must ensure their goods comply with the mandatory requirements. Consumers also have a responsibility to purchase safe products and to use them in a safe manner. South Australian Safety Regulations on cots for household use complement the Commonwealth's Consumer Product Safety Standard.

A mandatory Standard relating to Cots for Household Use was introduced from July 1, 1998. Since this time it has been illegal to sell cots (including second-hand cots) that don't comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Children's Cots, AS/NZS 2172: Cots for Household Use - Safety Requirements. The standard does not apply to travel or portable cots, bassinettes, rocking cradles or toddler beds.

Only consider a cot that complies with the mandatory standard. Look for a label which confirms the cot meets the standard or if there is no label, check that the cot meets the dimensions pictured below.


The South Australian product safety law that applies to cots for household use has been introduced to reduce the risk of deaths

The South Australian product safety law that applies to cots for household use has been introduced to reduce the risk of deaths

Requirements

If you supply cots for trade or commerce you must ensure that every cot complies with the Australian Standard - check for the presence of a Standards Australia logo or similar indication that the cot meets the requirements. This logo is not compulsory, however it will indicate that the cot is compliant if it is present.

Good Condition

The cot must be strong, with no broken or missing parts and the paint should be lead free. All rails and base slats must be present and not splintered or damaged in any way. All metal cots should be checked to ensure that the rails are not bent or damaged as this could create an entrapment hazard.

Dimensions

Safe gaps in the cot minimise the risk of a child becoming trapped in a component of the cot. These must be checked and measured before a cot is purchased or sold.



Adjustable Cots

There must be no more that two base height adjustments on a cot. The distance between the base of the mattress and the top of the lowest side or end of the cot must be a minimum of 400mm when the drop side is up and the base is in the highest position. The distance must be a minimum of 600mm when the dropside is up and the base is in its lowest position. When the dropside is open and the base is in its highest position the distance between the top of the mattress base and the top of the lowest side or end must be at least 250mm.

Protrusions

All edges of the cot must be smooth and rounded with no screws and/or wing nuts sticking out. No protrusion should be more than 8mm from the top or side of the cot.

Strength

Cots must be able to withstand a reasonable amount of wear and tear and so the sides, ends and base must be rigid and not feel rickety when shaken.

Footholds

There must not be any bars or other objects in the cot that would allow a child to climb and possibly fall out of the cot.

Castors or Wheels

If the cot has four castors, then at least two must be fitted with brakes. If there are two castors, then brakes are not required.

Catches on Dropside

The dropside will have to endure thousands of openings and closings over its lifetime. It is therefore important that the dropside locks in place when closed.

There are three ways of ensuring the dropside cannot be opened by a child. These are:



Mattress Fit

If a mattress is supplied with the cot, it must fit snugly. There must be no gaps of over 25mm on each side or the end of the cot. This fact must be made clear to the purchaser if they intend to buy a mattress separately.

Instructions/Safety Warnings

Clear and concise instructions (by way of a leaflet) on how to erect the cot, must be supplied. The leaflet must also contain safety information about using the correct size mattress and warnings about the need to use adjustable-base cots in the upper and lower positions correctly.

The cot must also have a swing tag which states the recommended mattress size. The cot itself must also be marked with some essential safety warnings. These include: