Six out of 11 portable cots in CHOICE’s annual testing have failed safety tests.
The cots that failed are the Baby Bunting 4Baby Clouds 2 in 1 Portacot, Baby Bunting Baby Vacation Portacot, Kmart Anko 3 in 1 Portacot Phil & Teds Traveller 2021, Star Kidz Vivo Super Light Travel Cot, Target Adventure V2 3 in 1 Portacot.
Not surprisingly, CHOICE has described the results as “really concerning”.
Issues included mattress firmness, breathable zones, stability and entrapment hazards.
CHOICE says outdated mandatory standards contribute to the products still being on the market.
Testing expert Kim Gilmour says newer voluntary standards incorporate safety factors such as breathable zones but they haven’t made it into law.
CHOICE urges people to stop using the cots immediately and ask their retailer or the manufacturer for a refund, however they may not oblige unless the cot has been officially recalled.
But a Kmart spokesman disputed the Choice findings.
“We disagree with CHOICE’s claims concerning mattress firmness on the Kmart and Target portacots, particularly as both brands have tested this product to these same standards in an independent accredited laboratory and the results showed full compliance,” the spokesperson said.
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