Creating a safe and secure environment is vital for babies to thrive.

Before purchasing baby products, read the important advice and guides to avoid the risk of injury or death.

Products

Second-Hand Cot

Know what to look for to ensure the cot is safe and complies with the Product Safety Australia mandatory standards.

There are some simple checks consumers can do:

How to check a second-hand cot is safe

1. Inspect the cot for overall stability and ensure the rails and base slats are intact and there are no sharp edges.  Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight and all mechanisms are in good working order. 
2. Check the bars, panels, mattress base and drop sides are firmly attached.
3. Make sure catches are not loose or easy for a child to undo.
4. Check there are no small holes or openings where fingers can get caught.

Measurements

1. Side panels need to be spaced no greater than 95mm to ensure a child’s head does not become trapped.
2. Ensure the mattress is firm and fits tightly on the sides and at each end. There should be no gaps greater than 20mm.
3. The base of the mattress to the top of the cot should be between 600mm and 250 mm when the drop side is down.  If the base is adjustable the distance is 400mm when the base is at the highest position.
4. Check there are no fittings, bolts, knobs, or corner posts that stick out. Anything sticking out longer than 8mm could catch onto a child’s clothing, causing distress or strangulation.

Material downloads

Cot safety tips, flyers and posters show how to check your second-hand cot is safe for your baby. Cot sellers and resellers are encouraged to display these to inform consumers.

• Flyer
• Poster A3
• Poster A4
• Keeping Baby Safe pack from Product Safety Australia - includes publication, smartphone app and videos.

You can order free poster and flyers by email. 

Portable cot safety

Folding / portable cots also have safety requirements covering the cushioning material, depth of cot, locking devices and safety markings. More information including a recall list is available from Product Safety Australia’s Folding / portable cots page.

Baby slings

Using a baby sling or carrier is often used for ease and comfort, however there are no Australian Standards regulating these products. It is important to know how to use these products safely to prevent suffocation, injury, or death.

The Kidsafe video and checklist below shows how to use baby slings and carriers safely.

Follow the TICKS checklist to keep baby safe and close:

T - TIGHT

The sling should be tight with your baby positioned high and upright with head support. Any loose fabric may cause your baby to slump down, restricting its breathing.

I - IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES

You should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply looking down. Ensure your baby’s face, nose and mouth remain uncovered by the sling and/or your body. Babies have suffocated while in slings.

C - CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS

Your baby should be close enough to your chin that by tipping your head forward you can easily kiss your baby on top of its head. 

K - KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST

Ensure your baby’s chin is up and away from their body. Your baby should never be curled so that its chin is forced onto its chest as this can restrict breathing. Regularly check your baby. Babies can be in distress without making any noise or movement. 

S - SUPPORTED BACK

Your baby’s back should be supported in a natural position with its tummy and chest against you. When bending over, support your baby with one hand behind its back and bend at the knees not at the waist. 

Always consult a doctor before using a sling with a premature baby. 

Reporting a product

If you see, or have recently purchased, an item which does not appear to meet product safety standards, please contact us via email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

For more information 

If you need any further assistance please visit the Product Safety Australia website or contact the Consumer Protection contact centre on 1300 30 40 54.