Why You Should Avoid Second Hand Cots for Your Baby’s Safety and Sleep
Choosing a cot is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your baby. While buying second hand cots can seem like a great way to save money, the risks involved may not be worth the cost – especially when it comes to your baby’s safety and sleep.
This article explains why second-hand cots may be dangerous, what the current Australian standards require, how to make the safest decision for your newborn.
So before you make that decision, here’s what you need to know.
The Real Safety Risks of Second Hand Baby Cots
Firstly, second hand cots may have missing or broken parts. These weak spots can create safety hazards. Babies can get stuck or hurt if a slat breaks or a screw is loose.
Next, many used cots are older. That means they may not meet today’s Australian safety standards. Cot design has changed a lot over the years to become safer. A second hand cot might not be up to date.
Also, parts can go missing over time. Even a missing screw or worn-down joint can make a cot unstable. That could cause it to collapse with your baby inside.
Outdated Standards Can Put Your Baby at Risk
In Australia, all new baby cots must meet strict safety rules. These rules help keep babies safe during sleep. For example, bar/slot spacing must be within a safe range, the mattress must fit well, side heights must prevent falls.
But second hand cots might not follow these rules. Some might be too old. Others might have been modified. You just can’t be sure. Therefore, using second hand cots can mean taking a big risk. Even if it looks fine, it might not be safe. New mandatory standards for cots were introduced in July 2024 – second hand cots may likely not be compliant with the newest safety standards as they get updated.
Australian Cot Safety Standards (What to Check)
For authoritative guidance and recalls, see:
- Product Safety Australia (ACCC) – mandatory standard and recalls.
- Standards Australia – AS/NZS 2172 (household cots) and AS/NZS 2195 (folding/portable cots).
- Red Nose Australia – safe sleep advice incl. firm, flat, well-fitting mattress and ? 20 mm gap guidance.
- Raising Children Network – practical setup tips consistent with national guidance.
Key Cot Safety Requirements
- Bar/Slat spacing: typically between 50 mm and 95 mm to prevent head/limb entrapment.
- Mattress fit: no more than a 20 mm gap between mattress and cot sides/ends when centred.
- Secure dropside (if applicable): must lock properly and slide smoothly.
- Durability: cot must withstand repeated use without weakening or wobbling.
- Labelling: look for compliance marking with AS/NZS 2172 (household cots).
Older or modified cots – especially models made many years ago – may not meet current requirements. If you can’t confirm the brand, model, compliance marking, date of manufacture, it’s safer to avoid it.
Second Hand Cots Often Hide Hygiene and Allergen Issues
Beyond structural safety, second hand cots may not be clean. Over time, old cots collect dust, germs, allergens. Babies have delicate lungs and skin, these particles can irritate them.
Worse still, if the cot comes with a used mattress, that’s a big red flag. Mattresses absorb moisture, bacteria, mould. You can’t always see the damage. But it can be there.
Best practice: never reuse a cot mattress. Even if it looks clean, it may have lost firmness or harbour hidden contaminants – increasing risk. Red Nose recommends a firm, clean, flat, well-fitting mattress with minimal gaps.
Used cots and mattresses can pose hidden hygiene risks, including:
- Dust mites
- Mould and mildew
- Bacteria and allergens
- Exposure to cigarette smoke or pets
The False Economy of Buying a Used Cot
Sure, second hand cots are cheaper at first – but they can cost more in the long run. You may need replacement parts, a new mattress, even a new cot if something fails. And second hand cots don’t come with a warranty or retailer support.
With a new cot, you get peace of mind:
- You know it’s safe and compliant.
- You know it’s clean and suitable for a newborn.
- You know the mattress is firm and fits correctly.
- You know it meets current Australian standards.
- You know it’s covered by a warranty.
What to Look for When Buying a Safe New Cot
When buying new, check for AS/NZS 2172 compliance (household cots) and clear assembly instructions. The cot should be sturdy, with no sharp edges. The mattress should fit snugly with minimal gaps, slat spacing should fall within the current standard range.
At Bubs n Grubs, we only sell new baby cots that meet Australian standards. We help parents choose the safest option for their child. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, your baby’s safety is always number one.
Final Thoughts: Choose Safety and Sleep with a New Cot
Second hand cots can be a gamble – structural issues, missing parts, hygiene concerns, uncertainty about compliance. Choosing a new, standards-compliant cot offers safety, warranty support, peace of mind.
Skip the second hand risk and invest in your baby’s future with a cot that meets all safety requirements and keeps your little one comfortable and secure from day one.
My Conclusion
Bubs n Grubs are very selective when deciding which brands and models we sell – especially baby cots, car seats, prams, high chairs. We do the hard work for you (that’s Judy and myself as owners). We personally evaluate each product before deciding to offer it, which is why we don’t stock every brand and model under the sun.
We offer cot package deals to save you money – flexible bundles with customisation options to make it easy.
Check out our range of baby cots and cot package deals now!
If you are local to our store – come in and check out the product in person today!
These Deals are Only While Stocks Last
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call our store!
Don’t forget, We will beat ANY Price! So if you find a better price out there in the market for these identical Baby Cots, let us know and I will smash it in line with our Advertised Price Guarantee!
Talk Soon,
Frank
About the Author
Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2009. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2009. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners who regularly engages with customers in store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.