Drop-side cots are considered safe for use in Australia. These cots feature one side of the cot that can be lowered, making it easier for parents to lift their baby in and out of the cot. It makes it easier for those struggling with mobility to access their child in the cot and change the bedding.
There have been safety concerns in the past, with the US banning the sale of drop-cots. But they are still legal and for sale in Australia, with Australian standard tests performed on drop-side cots before being sold, so you can use them worry-free.
Today’s article explores drop-side cots’ safety concerns, how you can safely use one, and more. Keep reading to find out more!
Key Points
- Drop-side cots are considered safe for use in Australia
- Drop-side cots sold in Australia must pass Australian standard tests
- Drop-side cots should be fitted with a firm mattress and fitted sheet
- Drop-side cots should have the locking mechanisms secured. at all times
What’s Coming Up In This Article?
- Are Drop-Side Cots Safe?
- What Are Some Safety Concerns About Drop-Side Cots?
- How Do You Know If Your Drop-Side Cot Is Safe?
- What Are Some Tips To Check Your Drop-Side Cot Is Safe?
- What Are Some Drop-Side Cot Alternatives?
Are Drop-Side Cots Safe?
Yes, drop-side cots are considered safe for use in Australia. Drop-side cots sold across Australia are tested and must comply with Auststandardsafety standard, AS/NZS 2172:2010, before being sold.
The Australian standard has a strict standard to ensure cots sold are safe for children. Drop-side cots undergo drop testing to ensure they can withstand anything your babies and toddlers can throw at them!
Now, you might see online that drop-side cots are not safe. Generally, this is the consensus in the U.S., sales being banned in America. However, across the globe, including here in Australia, drop-side cots are considered safe and are widely used. You can relax, knowing that drop-side cots are safe!
What Are Some Safety Concerns About Drop-Side Cots?
Most of the safety concerns for drop-side cots come from the US. When the drop side of the cot is lowered, a gap can be created between the cot and the cot mattress. In the US, there were cases where babies were slipping or becoming trapped in the gap, attributed to 32 infant and toddler deaths between January 2000 and May 2010.
The research into this was conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and triggered a ban on sales of drop-side cots in the U.S.
While these concerns are scary for parents to read about, this is not the case in Australia!
Drop-side cots sold in Australia must comply with standard tests, ensuring they are safe for babies and parents. We are here to put your mind at ease, so keep reading to find out more!
How Do You Know If Your Drop Side Cot Is Safe?
To see if your new drop-side cot is safe, first check it meets safety standards. In Australia, drop-side cots sold must meet AS/NZS 2172:2010, so you can rest easy knowing the cot is safe. Before purchasing, check the product description or speak to the manufacturer to confirm it meets these standards. Cots that have been independently tested in Australia are considered a good purchase as they will have undergone further tests, according to Babyhood Australia.
You can also see if the cot has been tested by the Furntech Australian Furnishing Research and Development Institute (AFRDI). These tests offer further peace of mind. An orange tick is displayed on drop-side cots that have undergone these additional tests, allowing you to find them easily while you shop.
When using a drop-side cot, check the latches or mechanism to drop the cot side are secured and tightened after every use. You don’t want the side to drop when you aren’t in the room!
Are Secondhand Drop-Side Cots Safe?
Secondhand drop-side cots can be safe, but you must take care when purchasing or using one. Safety standards are always evolving, so the secondhand drop-side cot might not have been tested against our current strict safety standards. You need to take care to ensure the secondhand crib that you purchase is safe for your baby.
With secondhand drops-side cribs, do your research! Look for the make and model online to check it meets safety standards. You will also want to inspect the drop-side crib carefully. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. You want the cot to be in good working order.
Also, check the measurements to ensure your baby mattresses fit the space, as you don’t want any gaps, especially on the drop sides that your baby could get stuck in. Where possible, test the dropping mechanism too. You also want to ensure it is in good working order and stays in place.
We advise seeing the cot in person before purchasing or asking for lots of photographs and videos from a seller you trust.
What Are Some Tips To Check Your Drop-Side Cot Is Safe?
Use the following tips to check your drop-side cot is safe! Ask yourself these questions before using or buying the drop-side cot.
Does It Meet Safety Standards?
Check that the drop-side cot meets Australian safety standards. The information about safety standards will be displayed on the website, or you can contact the manufacturer directly.
Have You Double Checked?
Double-check that the cot mattress is firm and fits securely into your cot. You don’t want the mattress to be wider than the side of the crib or move when it’s jiggled.
Check the drop-side cot is ready for your baby to sleep in.
Are There Any Extras?
Are there any pillows, sleep positioners, cot bumpers, or soft toys in the cot? Take them out! Your drop-side cot should only be fitted with a firm mattress covered in a fitted sheet.
Is The Drop-Side Cot Assembled?
Your drop-side cot should be assembled correctly before use. You can use the instruction manual to guide you here. The cot has a moving element, so you want to ensure it is correctly assembled. Drop-side ots with a single-hand drop side are the easiest to use and install.
There are drop-side cots with trigger or pin mechanisms, but we found them fiddly to use and harder to assemble.
Have You Tested It?
Test the drop side to see how you use it before purchasing or using the cot! It will help you decide if you are comfortable using it around your baby. If you can’t head in-store to test one, search the make and model you are considering purchasing to see if there is a video of the drop side being used.
What Are Some Drop-Side Cot Alternatives?
If you don’t want to use a drop-side cot, you can use any cot that does not have a movable side. Bassinets can be used from birth to roughly six months old, traditional cots or a convertible cot that will transition into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Final Thoughts On Drop-Side Cots
Drop-side cribs in Australia are regulated safely, making them safe to purchase and use! Before being sold, they must meet the strictest safety standards so you can rest easy knowing your baby will sleep comfortably in a safe space.
Of course, this does not mean you should not thoroughly research cots before finding the perfect drop-side cot for you and your family. Spend some time searching, and you will have a new cot that is a wonderful addition to your home.