Do not use a cot that is broken. Make sure that all bolts and screws are tight. Ensure cots have high sides i.e. from base of mattress to top of cotside needs to be at least 60cm. This is important because as babies grow and can pull themselves to a standing position in the cot they are at risk of falling over the side. If your baby's cot had been painted, ensure the paint is lead free.
Leaded paint is toxic.
When babies are teething they may chew on cot bars and swallow the lead paint. If you can't be sure if the paint is leaded or not, strip and repaint the cot with lead free paint. For further information check with your paint shop. Mattress Make sure the mattress is firm and well fitting and there is no more than a 2.5cm gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends. A thick mattress placed into a portable mesh-sided cot is not safe.