Cots made before 1973 could have used leaded paint, which is toxic. If it’s got a drop-side mechanism, it’s best not to use the cot, as the mechanism could be unsafe now. If there are any stickers or transfers on the inside of the cot, remove them, as they may peel off and present a choking hazard.
What is the danger of drop side cribs?
The Dangers of Drop-Side Cribs
Children can get stuck in these gaps in a variety of positions and can become seriously injured or suffocate and die. These deadly gaps can form for various reasons, including: Screws, tracking, pegs, and bolts, on the drop-side (especially plastic) can warp or break.
Why are drop side cribs banned?
Dec. 15, 2010 — The Consumer Product Safety Commission is banning cribs with drop-down sides because they have been blamed for the deaths of at least 32 infants since 2001. … The new rules also will prohibit drop-side crib use at motels, hotels, and child care facilities.
How many babies have died from drop side cribs?
When that happens, it can create a dangerous “V”-like gap between the mattress and side rail where a baby can get caught and suffocate or strangle. In all, drop-side cribs have been blamed in the deaths of at least 32 infants and toddlers since 2000 and are suspected in another 14 infant fatalities.
Are all drop side cribs recalled?
There has not been a specific “recall” of all drop-side cribs due to the new regulation. Instead, some manufacturers recently have recalled their cribs in cooperation with the CPSC because a specific defect or risk of harm has been discovered relating to a particular crib.
How do I dispose of a drop side crib?
Answer: Assuming you have access to a city or county dump (you did not provide an address in your question), you should dispose of the crib there, said a spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. “It should be disassembled at the time,” she emphasized.
Is it OK to use an old crib?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends against using a secondhand crib. If you do, they recommend not using a crib that is more than 10 years old. … Also, cribs that have been assembled, disassembled and reassembled over time may have worn out hardware, which can loosen, making the crib unsafe.
Can you put a baby straight into a cot?
It’s perfectly safe for a newborn to sleep in a cot, but it is recommended that the first 6 months the baby is in your room (although everyone I know moves baby into their own room a lot earlier).
Can newborn sleep in cot bed?
Do not share a bed with your baby
The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in a cot in the same room as you. It’s especially important not to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner: smoke (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never smoke in bed)
Should there be a gap between mattress and cot?
As we’ve mentioned, the size of your cot mattress is very important. There shouldn’t be any gaps between the mattress and the cot or bed that are more than 3cm. The mattress should also be firm and very flat.
Are drop down cots banned in Australia?
The cots are still legal in Australia, however both Kidsafe and the ACCC are both adamant that parents be aware of their potential dangers. Kidsafe says parents should be particularly vigilant about cots that have been passed from child to child, which may affect the integrity of their fixings.
What do you do with a recalled crib?
For owners of the recalled drop-side cribs, the CPSC is urging parents to stop using them immediately and find a safe place for their child to sleep. For owners of the recalled Child Craft stationary crib, the commission says parents may continue to use the crib after ensuring that it has been assembled correctly.
What do you do with drop rail cribs?
Families should not sell or donate a drop-side crib, even if it has been been fitted with immobilizing hardware. Disassemble and discard the crib instead. Parents can see if their particular drop-side crib has been recalled, and request a free hardware kit to immobilize the drop-side.
When did they stop making Drop Side cribs?
Although the sliding side was intended to help with reaching the baby, this popular crib design turned from convenient to dangerous. Recalls of the design led to stronger safety regulations that ultimately banned the manufacture of drop-side cribs in 2011. Drop-side cribs now cannot be sold or donated.
Can I resell a crib?
If you’re wondering what to do with that crib after your little one moves to a “big boy bed,” you probably have only one option: disposing of it. Cribs manufactured before July 23, 2010, don’t meet new standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and are illegal to resell or donate.
When should I take cot sides off?
Take the sides off your cot bed when your child is ready for the transition to a toddler bed, according to experts. This usually happens between 18 months and 3 years.
When should you move COT to lowest setting?
Your baby’s crib should be lowered by half a notch, or even an entire notch, once they’re able to sit up. This usually happens between 5 and 8 months of age. Once your baby can pull up on their own you should adjust the mattress to its lowest setting for your baby’s safety.
Can I use a crib from 1991?
Cribs used today should be manufactured after June 2011 (when the current safety standards banning the manufacture or sale of drop-side rail cribs became effective). Though an antique crib may be beautiful and sentimental, if it doesn’t meet modern safety standards, it should not be used.
Can you put 2 mattresses in a cot?
No, you cannot stack two crib mattresses. While we understand why you may want to do so, cribs are designed to be used with only one mattress. … If you put a second mattress in the crib, it might make it too high, which can be very dangerous for the baby.
Why are baby mattresses so thin?
Why Are Bassinet Mattresses So Thin
This is because if the mattress is too thick and soft, an infant may sink their head into the padding, which increases their risk of suffocation. That’s the main reason most bassinet mattresses are thin and hard, they allow baby to breath even if they end up face down.
How do I know if my baby’s mattress is too soft?
To test a crib mattress to determine whether it’s firm enough, press on the mattress in the center and at the edges. The mattress should snap back readily and shouldn’t conform to the shape of your hand if it’s indeed firm enough for your baby.