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Warning for parents after suffocation identified as major risk in popular cots

A shocking report has revealed ten out of 12 portable baby cots have failed mandatory safety testing with dangers of suffocation and injury.

Choice tested the 12 cots in May, including ones stocked at Kmart, Big W and Target, and found most of the safety failures related to suffocation and neck or head entrapment.

“With portable cots, suffocation is one of the major risks we uncovered. If the mattress is too soft the baby can roll onto their face and be blocked from breathing,” Choice’s Head of Campaigns and Policy, Sarah Agar, told Yahoo7.

“A firm mattress doesn’t pose the same risk.”

Choice tested the 12 cots in May, including ones stocked at Kmart, Big W and Target, and found most of the safety failures related to suffocation. Photo: Choice
Choice tested the 12 cots in May, including ones stocked at Kmart, Big W and Target, and found most of the safety failures related to suffocation. Photo: Choice

After Choice released its findings, Big W conducted its own test and recalled the Dymples Portacot, finding it did not comply with Australian standards.

There is a risk of injury to a child and customers should immediately cease using the product and return it to any Big W store for a full refund,” a statement from a Big W spokesperson read.

“Big W apologises to its customers for any inconvenience caused by this recall.”

Ms Agar said no other manufacturer recalled their product.

Baby Bunting, Kmart and Target said their cots were tested by accredited laboratories, who found “the products complied with the Australian mandatory standard”.

Those in possession of one of the portable cots could be entitled to a full refund, but Ms Agar said it could be difficult to get one.

After Choice released its findings, Big W conducted its own test and recalled the Dymples Portacot. Photo: Choice
After Choice released its findings, Big W conducted its own test and recalled the Dymples Portacot. Photo: Choice

Unless there is an injury, it can be difficult to determine that the product is unsafe and therefore can be hard to get a refund.

Susan Teerds, CEO of Kidsafe Queensland, advises parents and carers to always fully research the products before buying.

“Look at the Product Safety website and check for recalls and bans and what standards products meet,” Ms Teerds said.

“And, in fact, if there is any standard at all for that type of product! They might get a surprise to see how many products are not covered by a voluntary or mandatory standard,” she said.

The full list of products can be seen on the Choice website.

Baby Bunting’s 4baby Liteway Travel cot also failed Choice’s testing over suffocation risks. Photo: Choice
Baby Bunting’s 4baby Liteway Travel cot also failed Choice’s testing over suffocation risks. Photo: Choice