Q&A Forum

3/12/21

Simone

Bought a second hand portable cot from gumtree. It is a Love n Care Playland cot. How do I check if it meets the Australian Standards. There was no instructions with it and Im not sure how old it is however it appears to be in very good condition

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Posted a response on 6/12/21

Red Nose Education

Red Nose has the following information.
If you are accepting a second hand portable cot, look for a label or sticker that says that it complies with the mandatory standard 2195; never place baby in a cot or portable cot that does not definitely meet the current Australian safety standard.
Wear and tear can expose baby to hazards. Only use a portable cot that has the mesh intact and that has no broken parts.
Ensure that the base is flat and regularly check the portacot for signs of damage.
Do not use a portable cot if your child weighs more than 15kg (or check instructions of your particular model).
https://rednose.org.au/article/portable-cots

Only use the firm, thin, well-fitting mattress that is supplied with the portable cot. Never add a second mattress or additional padding under or over the mattress

Product Safety Australia, who develop & monitor safety standards in Australia, has the following information about Portacots

Folding cots should only be used as temporary sleeping facilities. They are not suitable for long term sleeping arrangements (no more than a few days). These cots are subject to more wear and tear due to folding and are generally less robust than permanent sleeping enclosures such as household cots.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/babies-kids/kids-furniture/folding-cots

The instruction manual usually carries the information about specific standards.
Portacot are subject to more wear & tear than standard cots, so it is important to check carefully.
While it is illegal for retail outlets to sell cots that don’t meet mandatory standard, this does not generally apply to personal sales like gumtree etc.

Product Safe also has this information.
Safety markings

Folding cots must be permanently, prominently and legibly marked on the inside so that users will see the marking when erecting the cot. The marking must at least include:

instructions for assembly and locking procedures
a warning to check before each use that the cot is correctly assembled and that locking devices are fully engaged
either a warning to only use a mattress of specified dimensions or a warning to only use the mattress supplied with the product—both are allowed
a warning not to add an extra mattress as this may cause suffocation.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/standards/folding-cots

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