Minimum standards for baby products

Whether you are a first time parent looking to purchase items for your impending new arrival, updating nursery items or buying products as a gift it is important to know what to look for and be aware of in regards to the safe purchase of items.

In Australia there are standards that baby items must adhere to. These standards follow rigorous testing and guidelines to ensure the health, safety and well being of those using them.

Being aware of the various mandatory safety standards for specific products. prior to embarking on the shopping expedition is key.

The purpose of a mandatory safety standard is to ensure that all products sold and brought into Australia are safe and to ensure the safety of the product to be used.

A safety standard sets out the minimum standards for a product, activity to safeguard and minimize the risks of potential harm through a specific criteria.

We do go into more detail of each product as a guide- https://www.seriouslykids.com.au/parenting/preparing-for-baby/

Although as a quick overview of the most commonly purchased items to be aware of the standards we have listed below:

All cots, new and second hand, are by law required to meet Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2172:2010). The standard covers a range of safety requirements such as preventing entrapment.

• There are no gaps in the cot that measure 30-50 mm apart so as to prevent arms or legs getting trapped.
• Spaces between the bars that are 50-95 mm apart.
• The mattress fits snugly with no gaps wider than your index finger. There is to be less than 2 mm space.
• A minimum of 500 mm between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides (preferably 600 mm)
• Check the drop side mechanisms are secure but at the same time easy enough to use.
• The inside of the cot has no horizontal bar that the child can climb on.
• If it is a second hand or an older cot make sure it has no toxic surfaces e.g. lead based paint.
• Cots purchased prior to 1988 do not comply with these standards.
• Check that nothing (like screws, bolts, etc) protrude more than 5 mm.
• If it has wheels they need to have a locking mechanism.
• Select a fixed based cot.
• Most cots have drop down sides. Check before you buy that they are not only in good working order but easy to use.
• Choose a firm mattress that is tight fitting, with no gaps between it and the cot’s frame.
• If it has wheels, at least 2 should have castors or breaks.
• The cot should have no splinters, peeling paint or sharp edges.

Portable cots:

There is an Australian Standard that applies to portable cots (AS/NZS 2195:2010).

This means that all folding cots are now covered by a set standard.

This standard covers the folding mechanism is secure, ensuring no gaps that could trap a child’s head, the mattress is safe and that the cot has adequate warnings about safe use.

All strollers must meet Australian Standards AS/NZ 2088:2000.

This requires them to have such things as:

• 5 point harness
• Tether strap
• Red brakes.

Check for size, weight, brake locks, secure straps, stability, etc.

There is no Australian Standard at present for slings or carriers but there is a European Standard EN 13209-2 (2005-11) to be aware of when purchasing one.

Baby slings and carriers are designed for an adult to carry their baby on their person.

Babies can suffer a range of injuries from incorrectly used or damaged slings and carriers.

All sold must meet the Australian Standard (AS 1754).

Look for the new sticker which has 5 ticks and not the earlier E46 standard sticker to ensure your car seat complies with the current safety standard.

Children will need to use a restraint or full booster seat until their 7th birthday.

This didn’t affect the types of child restraints but only the period they remain in them.

Things to consider when purchasing a car seat:

• Only buy a model that carries the Standards Australia mark. All child restraints sold in Australia must meet the strict requirements of the AS: 1754:2004 covering the materials, design, construction, performance, testing and labeling of child restraints.
• Use the instruction manual if installing it yourself. There are baby shops and other approved car seat installation places. Your local midwife/hospital/Dr should be able to direct you if your baby shop does not do installations.
• Look at various models and see which one would not only suit your needs, the child’s, but also your car. Some models fit better or don’t fit at all into some cars.
• If you buy a second hand model be careful and don’t compromise on safety. Make sure it hasn’t been in an accident. All car seat should be replaced if involved in a accident.
• Don’t buy a car restraint that is too well used and has visible signs of wear and tear especially on the harness and the straps or if any part is broken or the buckles are loose or don’t work well or broken. Check the date stamped in the plastic mould on the back of the restraint.
• Do not use if the restraint is older than ten years.

If you do use a dummy it is important to note that there is an Australian Standards which was established to enable manufacturers to establish the level of safety when producing dummies.

It relates to the use, specific design and construction requirements and requires manufacturers to stipulate on the dummy packaging that children should never be left alone with a dummy, what they are to be made of, etc.

The  Consumer Goods (Babies’ Dummies and Dummy Chains Safety Standard 2017 provides the mandatory requirement for dummies and dummy chains.

The mandatory standard requirements for babies’ dummies are based on certain sections of the voluntary Australian Standard AS 2432:2015 .

* Be aware that the standard does not include some types of dummy which are made for therapeutic use or for premature babies.

September 2011 saw the introduction of a permanent ban came into effect on dummies with decorations. There had been may that had come onto the market that had a bit of ‘bling’ but they are now permanently banned because of safety risks.

Baby walkers can be quite dangerous.

It is considered that there are generally better alternatives.

If you chose to use a baby walker ensure that they comply with the Australian regulations .

This requires that all baby walkers sold in Australia (must meet the TP Regulation SR 2002) and must meet the American ASTM standard ( US ASTM F977-12), as required by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 – Consumer Protection Notice No. 1 of 2013 – Safety Standard: Baby Walkers.

There are a few standards that regulate the safety of toys for children depending on the toy category itself such as baby toys, building blocks, stuffed toys, magnetic toys.

All toys should be checked regularly.

All toys are required to meet an Australian Standard – the most common being (AS/NZS ISO 8124).

Toys for under 3 years are regulated under the Australian Standard (AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2003).

This sets a standard for children up to and including 36 months for toys containing small parts and means that manufacturers adhere to rules and must also label toys appropriately according to ages.

For more detailed information on specific categories and the standard that applies please visit: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/babies-kids/toys

As a result of safety concerns mandatory standards for bath aids came into effect in 2005. The Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard) (Baby Bath Aids) Regulations 2005- no. 83. It includes the packaging as well as the aid in terms of the labelling.

For more information on standards see our product guide section