I recently had a very frustrating experience trying to buy a particular cot in Canberra that was recommended by Choice (it passed Choice testing of australian standards, unlike 50% of the cots they tested in 2004, even those that claimed to meet australian standards.) But NO ONE in Canberra stocks the Childcare Stirling cot.

Salespeople looked at me strangely - no we don't stock THAT cot, with the implication that it was much too cheap and ugly, and that surely I was looking for a beautiful piece of nursery furniture rather than something that met safety tests! In the end I bought another model from the same manufacturer, though I'm not completely happy with it.

Now I'm trying to buy a car seat as bub will be out of the capsule in another month or so. Choice says the dedicated forward facing seats are safer than the convertible models, and recommended particularly the Cosi Rider from Safe-n-sound. Discovery Plus was also given a good rating, but Choice said this one allowed forward head movement in frontal crash tests.

I have been able to locate lots of Discovery Pluses, but no new Cosi Riders in Canberra yet - does anyone know where I could get one?

You may need to try Sydney - some places will deliver to Canberra (like Babies Galore in Chatswood). I ended up going to Sydney for my first cot, and Melbourne for my second, just because I wanted the one Choice said was best.

What you need is a DH who will make you a cot to Australian Standards - looks good and it's safe!



He might take orders...