Australian Standards for building a cot

**kman-oz** · 21st January 2007, 03:50 PM

Hi All,

I've got a young man on the way in four months and I've begun design of a fairly simple cot for him, the major hick-up in the design process is compliance with Australian Standards. I've done some research and searched the forum a few times; there are plenty if hits and some details but I'd like to build something of a comprehensive list of requirements before I begin construction in the next couple of weeks.

The Australian Standard is AS/NZS 2172:1995 ammended in 2003 (AS/NZS 2172:2003) and again in Nov. 2006 (largely irrelevant), but I'd really like to avoid purchasing a copy of the full standard in favour of a list of requirements that must be met. This might also serve as a reference for anyone else who might consider building a cot in future also.

Below is a compiled list of the details I've found thus far. If anyone has a more complete list or can add to/clarify these items I'd very much like to hear about it. I'll keep this post updated for future reference by others.

Requirements:

*** NOTE: At this point I have no evidence to suggest these requirements adhere to the AS/NZS 2172:2003 standard. Anyone building a cot for sale in Australia must comply with the complete standard.

- The bars should be spaced between 50 and 85mm apart.
- The cot should have a minimum depth of 600mm from the base of the mattress to the top of the cot when the cot base is in its lowest position. - The gap between the mattress and the cot on all sides should be under 2.5cm.
- If the cot has four castors or wheels, at least two of the wheels should be fitted with brakes.
- Cots should be well-finished and made from quality materials.
- If made of metal, they shouldn't be bent or rusty, and their joints should be close-fitting and securely and cleanly welded.
- Timber cots shouldn't have dowels, nails and screws that are exposed above the surface.
- The timber shouldn't have large knots, insect damage, cracks or splinters.
- There should be no sharp edges or points that could cause a cut or head injury.
- There should be no gaps where children can trap their limbs or head.
- No knobs or protrusions that could catch a child's clothing.
- No decorative transfers that can come off easily.
- No crossbars or trim that could be used as a foothold.
- No bumpers or anything else inside the cot that has strings or ties.
- No choking hazards such as small toys, small items, medication, string or elastic in the cot.
- Make sure that the mattress you buy corresponds to the cot manufacturer's size recommendations - it should fit snugly with no gaps.
- Check that locking devices are easy to use for an adult but very difficult for a child.
- Check that the locking mechanism has a clear difference between locked and unlocked.

There is a suggestion that the rail and latch locking mechanism sold by various venders does *not* comply with the Australian Standard. Can anyone confirm or deny?

A few of the links I found on these forums were either dead or irrelevant, so if anyone has anything more current please post up.

Dave.

**rick_rine** · 21st January 2007, 07:49 PM

Hi Dave , I had the same problems and in making a cot for my son an in the end opted for a very basic catch as I was told by suppliers ( and I tried a few ) that they wouldn't sell
them for fear of being sued so heres my makeshift idea that works well . Don't copy it cause you might sue me .
I attached a piece of timber onto the lower rail and with a flick of the foot it catches under the lower rail of the "gate " Its not fancy but it has worked well and there is no way charlie can get to it . It is not legal but I'm not selling my cot , I hope Charlie can keep it for his kids .
Rick

**Wood Butcher** · 21st January 2007, 08:09 PM

kman-oz,

if you would like to PM me an email address I can get you a copy of the standard.

**rick_rine** · 21st January 2007, 08:14 PM

this is a photo of the lever , Very basic and it was meant to be only a temporary solution but it has worked very well for 4 months now . I'll take it off now I seeit in the photo and replace it with some blackwood

**kman-oz** · 21st January 2007, 09:53 PM

Good one Rick! I was thinking along the lines of a latch on the lower rail too, but I hadn't settled on a solution yet. To the drawing board!

Wood Butcher, much appreciated. PM shortly. If anyone's interested I'll make a list for reference.

**dazzler** · 22nd January 2007, 09:49 AM

The ones from Timbecon work fine as well.

**Stuart** · 22nd January 2007, 10:41 AM

Carbatec (Melb etc) have cot rails in their catalogue fwiw

**rick_rine** · 24th January 2007, 09:20 PM

just to prove I got of my lazy bum and finally did what I should have done 6 months ago

**colleend** · 24th January 2007, 09:54 PM

Dave

Some more suggestions, make sure your finish won't harm the child when they chew it, I assure you that you will end up with teeth marks in the top rail, mine looks like a beaver has been at it! It is not possible to make it too sturdy, my son puts his cot through hell! Thirdly make sure you can get a mobile on the cot rail, in case you get one of those kids for whom the distraction is essential to get them to sleep. (I didn't plan to get one but ended up with one on a paedatric physio's advice to encourage my son to move his neck muscles more)

Check out choice, they do some good work not only checking against standards but also general issues, I know they are testing commercial cots, but they might also have some additional pointers for you to think about.

Make sure you can use the catch one handed, that way when the %^^&^% male who is taller forgets to put the side down, the female whilst carrying the child can get the side down (I've lost count of the number of my girlfriends for whom this is a problem)

Colleen

**kman-oz** · 23rd June 2007, 01:35 PM

Been a while since I was on, so I thought I'd post some pics. I had to sort through about 300 pics of Jake before I found some of the cot

Dave.

**jackliveshere** · 5th February 2009, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Wood Butcher

kman-oz,

if you would like to PM me an email address I can get you a copy of the standard.

Hey Wood Butcher,

I know your post is over 2 years old, but you wouldn't still happen to have a copy of those Australian Standards for cots? Looking to get started on a design for my little one due later in the year.

Cheers,

Will

**Sparhawk** · 5th February 2009, 05:02 PM

Just another item to add to the list since Jack gave it a nudge. Babies getting their teeth love to chew their cots, especially the top rail.
I suggest you have a look at making sure you cot can be fitted with bite guards (Ikea sell one to go with their cots). It just a plastic cover to go over the top rail, but should help better preserve the timber for #2.

**kman-oz** · 8th February 2009, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Sparhawk

I suggest you have a look at making sure you cot can be fitted with bite guards (Ikea sell one to go with their cots). It just a plastic cover to go over the top rail, but should help better preserve the timber for #2.

My first will be due for his first bed soon and the damage he's done to his cot by chewing on it could be repaired in about 30 minues with some sand paper and natural wax. I didn't like the look of the bite rails and I wouldn't bother in future either.

Will, PM me your email address and I'll send you a copy of the AS.

Dave.

**jackliveshere** · 8th February 2009, 03:00 PM

Hey Kman,

PM sent, thanks mate

Cheers,

WILL

**eddie the eagle** · 8th February 2009, 04:48 PM

All public libraries in NSW have full access to any standard on-line. Victorian libraries may have a similar agreement.

You could look at it tomorrow if that was the case

Cheers,

eddie

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