7 Things To Know About Baby Cot Safety

When you buy a baby cot, it is usually with the intention of keeping your baby safe. A newborn baby is usually placed in a crib or on a normal bed. But then, newborn babies cannot move around on their own. The moment your baby turns over (which should be about 5-6 months of age), you need to place him/her in a baby cot. That is why baby cot safety should be of paramount importance.

Unfortunately, baby cot safety standards are not uniform everywhere. There is no set of rules in India that define exactly what is ‘safe' in terms of a baby cot. So parents have to depend on their own instincts to buy a baby cot and decide if it is safe. And since you are left with no set guidelines, here are some baby cot safety standards you should know:

Always check these things about the safety of your baby cot.

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Is It Sturdy?
The baby cot has to be sturdy. Now, solid wooden baby cots are most suitable in this regard. But parents prefer baby cots that can be pulled apart into pieces and packed if necessary.

Is It Movable?
If a baby cot is movable, then you need to ensure that your baby or toddler cannot move the cot on his/her own. The wheels, especially the back wheels, should have a locking system that allows you to park the baby cot somewhere.

Can The Height Be Adjusted
The baby cot safety rules keep changing with your baby's age. Once your baby gets taller, the base of the baby cot has to be moved lower. So the height of the baby cot needs to be adjustable.

Has It Been Assembled Properly?
The person who assembles the baby cot needs to do it properly so that all the little pieces fall in the right place. A single loose screw may make the baby cot come apart. You need to check the baby cot safety every time it is re-assembled.

The Mosquito Net Stand
Most baby cots come with a mosquito net stand. Sometimes, this stand may not be fixed properly. If it falls over, it can injure the baby.

Attachable Toys
If you are adding any toys to the baby cot, then these need to be safe one. Some toys that hang loosely can drop on your baby causing injury or even startle the baby suddenly.

Pillows & Blankets
If you are adding pillows and blankets to the baby cot, then you need to be watchful. Babies often cover their faces with pillows and blankets while playing. This is a dangerous proposition that results many cot deaths.

Check every aspect of your baby cot safety yourself because it is of utmost importance. What else did you check for while buying a cot for your baby?