As a parent, ensuring your child's safety is of utmost importance. The first and most important decision you make as a parent is choosing the right baby cot for your little one. Chances are that you have come across drop-side cots. Although they are nifty in design, promising parents that they don't need to bend down to carry their child, drop-side cots may not be the safest choice for your little one. In this article, we will explore why drop-side cots have been banned in the U.S. since 2011 and provide five important baby cot safety tips to help you keep your little one safe.

Drop-side cots were once popular due to their convenient design, which allowed one side of the cot to be lowered for easy access to the baby. However, in 2011, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a ban on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drop-side cots. The ban was implemented due to safety concerns related to the design of these cots. As Singapore doesn’t have strict regulations on cots’ safety, drop-side cots are still available in the market, and it is up to parents to make informed decisions for their babies.

One of the primary concerns with drop-side cots is that the drop-side mechanism can malfunction or detach, creating a space between the mattress and the side of the cot. Babies can become entrapped in this space, leading to suffocation, strangulation, or injury. There have been numerous cases of infant deaths and injuries related to drop-side cots, which led to the ban.

Additionally, drop-side cots tend to have more moving parts than traditional cots, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. Over time, the drop-side mechanism can become loose, increasing the risk of detachment and entrapment.

In addition to choosing a safe cot, there are several other cot safety tips that parents should be aware of to keep their little one safe.

A firm mattress ensures your baby's safety while they sleep. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Look for a mattress that fits snugly in the cot, with no gaps between the mattress and the sides of the cot. Additionally, a firm mattress provides the necessary support for an infant's developing bones and muscles. A soft mattress can cause the baby's head to sink in, which could result in a misshapen skull or Flat Head Syndrome. A firm mattress helps to distribute the baby's weight evenly, providing the necessary support for healthy bone and muscle development.

Loose bedding, such as sheets and blankets, can also increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Use a fitted sheet that fits snugly over the mattress and tuck it in tightly to prevent it from coming loose. In Singapore, you can find baby cot sheets of different dimensions, such as standard European cot mattress sizes (60 x 120cm or 70 x 140cm) and standard U.S. cot mattress sizes (70 x 130cm).

Crib bumpers, which are padded liners that fit around the inside of the cot, were once thought to be a way to prevent babies from hitting their heads on the sides of the cot. However, research has shown that they can increase the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. Due to safety concerns, the general advice is to avoid using cot bumpers for your little one before two years old. As newborns do not roll, shift, or move, it may be unnecessary to use a cot bumper. However, as your child gets older and has more control of their body movement, you may begin considering using a cot bumper for your toddler's crib or cot bed.

While it may be tempting to decorate your baby's cot with toys and other objects, they can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Keep the cot free of any toys, pillows, or other objects.

Position the cot away from windows, blinds, and cords. Babies can become entangled in cords or become trapped between the window and the cot, leading to injury or deadly incidences.

As a parent, it's essential to prioritize your child's safety by choosing a safe and secure cot for them. Instead of drop-side cots, consider safe and sturdy non-drop-side cots for the safer alternative. Additionally, following cot safety tips, such as using a firm mattress and fitted sheet, avoiding crib bumpers, keeping the cot free of toys and other objects, and positioning it away from windows and cords. This will significantly reduce the risk of injuries and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

If you're in the market for a new cot, make sure to do your research and find one that meets safety standards. Check for any recalls, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from other parents. Your child's safety is worth the extra effort!

It's also essential to stay up-to-date on the latest safety information and guidelines. Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website and read their latest reports and recommendations. By staying informed, you can make informed decisions and keep your little one safe.

When it comes to your child's safety, every detail matters, including the cot they sleep in. Invest in a safe and secure cot and follow cot safety tips to ensure your child has a safe and peaceful night's sleep. Remember, a well-rested baby is a happy baby!

With all these safety concerns in mind, Hatchery Cribs curate the best baby cots from the United States due to their strict safety regulations that provide parents with peace of mind. After all, we all want the best for our children. Not only are they safe, but last a long time. They hold up to 23kg (approximately 4-5 years old) and you can convert them into a toddler bed and a daybed to suit your child’s needs!

Browse our nursery furniture online, book an appointment to visit our ware studio, or check out our virtual showroom. Feel free to check out other baby items we carry. Hatchery Cribs is your one-stop baby store for all your baby's needs!