This instrument is the Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024.
3 Authority
This instrument is made under subsection 104(1) of the Australian Consumer Law.
Note: The reference to the Australian Consumer Law is a reference to Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 as it applies as a law of the Commonwealth, States and Territories: see section 140K of that Act and corresponding provisions of Acts of States and Territories applying that Schedule.
4 Schedules
Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.
5 Application
General rule
(1) This instrument applies to infant sleep products.
Exceptions
(2) Despite subsection (1), this instrument does not apply to the following:
(a) an accessory that attaches to, or is used with, an infant sleep product;
(b) a product that is regulated by any other safety standard that is in force for products of that kind;
(c) a product that is regulated by an information standard (other than the Consumer Goods (Infant Products) Information Standard 2024) that is in force for products of that kind;
(d) a product that is not supplied, or offered for supply, as an infant sleep product and does not purport that it is suitable for infant sleep, even if an infant may fall asleep when using the product (other than a product that is an antique or collectable cot);
(e) a medical device (within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989);
(f) a product designed to carry an infant on the body of another person.
Second‑hand goods
(3) Despite subsection (1) and subject to subsections (4) and (5), this instrument does not apply to second‑hand goods.
(4) This instrument applies in relation to a second‑hand good that is an infant sleep product if:
(a) it has been imported into Australia; and
(b) when it was imported, it was second‑hand.
(5) This instrument applies in relation to a second‑hand good that is an infant sleep product if it is an antique or collectable cot.
6 Definitions
Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Australian Consumer Law, including information standard and safety standard.
In this instrument:
Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2195:2010, Folding cots—Safety requirements published jointly by, or on behalf of, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots could in 2024 be purchased from Intertek Inform’s website (https://www.intertekinform.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
Australian/New Zealand Standard for household cots means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2172:2013, Cots for household use—Safety Requirements published jointly by, or on behalf of, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The Australian/New Zealand Standard for household cots could in 2024 be purchased from Intertek Inform’s website (https://www.intertekinform.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
Australian/New Zealand Standard for infants’ rocking cradles means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4385:1996, Infants’ rocking cradles—Safety requirements published jointly by, or on behalf of, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The Australian/New Zealand Standard for infants’ rocking cradles could in 2024 be purchased from Intertek Inform’s website (https://www.intertekinform.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
Australian/New Zealand Standard for Methods of testing infant products—Method 1: Sleep Surfaces—Test for firmness means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 8811.1:2013, Methods of testing infant products—Method 1: Sleep Surfaces—Test for firmness published jointly by, or on behalf of, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The Australian/New Zealand Standard for Methods of testing infant products—Method 1: Sleep Surfaces—Test for firmness could in 2024 be purchased from Intertek Inform’s website (https://www.intertekinform.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
bassinet means an infant sleep product with free standing legs that is designed to provide an enclosed sleeping facility for an infant who cannot yet push up on hands or knees or sit up unaided.
British Standard for Furniture—Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use means British Standard BS EN 716‑1:2017 Incorporating corrigendum March 2019, Furniture—Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use ‑ Part 1: Safety requirements published by the British Standards Institution, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The British Standard for Furniture—Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use could in 2024 be purchased from Intertek Inform’s website (https://www.intertekinform.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
European Standard for Children’s furniture—Mattresses for cots and cribs—Safety requirements and test methods means European Standard EN 16890:2017+A1:2021, Children’s furniture—Mattresses for cots and cribs—Safety requirements and test methods published by the European Committee for Standardization, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The European Standard for Children’s furniture—Mattresses for cots and cribs—Safety requirements and test methods could in 2024 be purchased from Intertek Inform’s website (https://www.intertekinform.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
folding cot means an infant sleep product that is designed to provide an enclosed sleeping facility that can be folded or collapsed, without disassembly, when not in use.
Note: A playpen may be a folding cot.
household cot means an infant sleep product with raised sides and ends that is designed to provide an enclosed sleeping facility, other than a bassinet or a folding cot.
infant, in relation to an infant sleep product, means:
(a) a person under the age of 12 months; or
(b) a person over the age of 12 months that might reasonably use the product as a sleeping facility.
infant sleep product:
(a) means a product that:
(i) is designed, intended, marketed, supplied, or offered for supply, for use as a sleeping facility for an infant or for use as a facility to soothe or settle an infant; and
(ii) has a surface on which an infant may lay; and
(b) includes a product that is designed to convert to an infant sleep product.
transitional period means the period of 18 months beginning on the day this instrument commences.
US CPSC Standard means the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. Part 1241), Safety Standard for Crib Mattresses, published by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, as amended and in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The US CPSC Standard could in 2025 be viewed free of charge on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website (https://www.ecfr.gov).
United States Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full‑Size Baby Cribs means the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard ASTM F1169‑19, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full‑Size Baby Cribs published by the American Society for Testing and Materials International, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The United States Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full‑Size Baby Cribs could in 2024 be purchased from ASTM International’s website (https://www.astm.org). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
United States Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non‑Full‑Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards means the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard ASTM F406‑22, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non‑Full‑Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards published by the American Society for Testing and Materials International, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences.
Note: The United States Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non‑Full‑Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards could in 2024 be purchased from ASTM International’s website (https://www.astm.org). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
Part 2—Requirements during the transitional period
7 During the transitional period—folding cots
During the transitional period, an infant sleep product that is a folding cot must comply with either:
(a) the Consumer Product Safety Standard for Children’s Portable Folding Cots (Consumer Protection Notice No. 4 of 2008) as in force immediately before the commencement of this instrument; or
(b) both:
(i) the requirements in Division 2 of Part 3 (general requirements) of this instrument; and
(ii) if the folding cot is a folding cot to which Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 3 (specific requirements) of this instrument applies—the requirements in that Subdivision.
Note 1: An infant sleep product that is not a folding cot or a household cot does not need to comply with any requirements during the transitional period.
Note 2: The Consumer Product Safety Standard for Children’s Portable Folding Cots (Consumer Protection Notice No. 4 of 2008) could in 2024 be viewed on the Federal Register of Legislation website (https://www.legislation.gov.au).
8 During the transitional period—household cots
During the transitional period, an infant sleep product that is a household cot must comply with either:
(a) the Consumer Product Safety Standard: Children’s Household Cots (Consumer Protection Notice No. 6 of 2005), as in force immediately before the commencement of this instrument; or
(b) both:
(i) the requirements in Division 2 of Part 3 (general requirements) of this instrument; and
(ii) if the household cot is a household cot to which Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part 3 (specific requirements) of this instrument applies—the requirements in that Subdivision.
Note 1: An infant sleep product that is not a folding cot or a household cot does not need to comply with any requirements during the transitional period.
Note 2: The Consumer Product Safety Standard: Children’s Household Cots (Consumer Protection Notice No. 6 of 2005) could in 2024 be viewed on the Federal Register of Legislation website (https://www.legislation.gov.au).
9 Repeal of this Part
This Part is repealed at the end of the last day of the transitional period.
Part 3—Requirements after the transitional period
Division 1—Requirements after the transitional period
10 After the transitional period—folding cots
After the transitional period, an infant sleep product that is a folding cot must comply with both:
(a) the requirements in Division 2 (general requirements); and
(b) if the folding cot is a folding cot to which Subdivision B of Division 3 applies—the requirements in that Subdivision (specific requirements).
11 After the transitional period—household cots
General rule
(1) After the transitional period, an infant sleep product that is a household cot must comply with both:
(a) the requirements in Division 2 (general requirements); and
(b) if the household cot is a household cot to which Subdivision C of Division 3 applies—the requirements in that Subdivision (specific requirements).
Exception—antique or collectable cots
(2) However, a household cot that is an antique or collectable cot that complies with the requirements in subsection (3) does not need to comply with:
(a) the requirements in Division 2 (general requirements); or
(b) the requirements in Subdivision C of Division 3 (specific requirements);
after the transitional period.
(3) An antique or collectable cot complies with the requirements of this subsection if the cot:
(a) is supplied, or offered for supply, other than for use as a sleeping facility for a child; and
(b) has a clearly legible and prominent warning statement described in subsection (4) permanently attached to the cot.
(4) The warning must consist of the words “WARNING: this cot does not meet the mandatory safety standard. For display purposes only. It is dangerous to place a child in this cot”.
12 After the transitional period—bassinets
After the transitional period, an infant sleep product that is a bassinet must comply with both:
(a) the requirements in Division 2 (general requirements); and
(b) if the bassinet is a bassinet to which Subdivision A of Division 3 applies—the requirements in that Subdivision (specific requirements).
13 After the transitional period—other infant sleep products
After the transitional period, an infant sleep product that is not mentioned in section 10, 11 or 12 must comply with the requirements in Division 2 (general requirements).
Division 2—General requirements
14 Incline (horizontal)
(1) The surface of an infant sleep product on which the infant may lay must not have an incline greater than 7 degrees from the horizontal when tested in accordance with subsection (2).
Test method
(2) The incline of an infant sleep product is to be measured by a digital level placed on a thin rigid planar sheet laid flat on the sleep surface with no downward pressure applied (other than that provided by the level itself).
15 Incline (vertical)
(1) An infant sleep product that rocks or swings:
(a) must not have a vertical tilt or vertical incline greater than 7 degrees from the horizontal when tested in accordance with subsection (2); and
(b) must comply with clause 6.5 (rocking cradle locking device) and clause 8.5 (tilt test) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for infants’ rocking cradles as varied by subsection (3).
Test method
(2) The vertical tilt or vertical incline of an infant sleep product is to be measured in accordance with Appendix D of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for infants’ rocking cradles.
Variation of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for infants’ rocking cradles
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) and subsection (2), the Australian/New Zealand Standard for infants’ rocking cradles is varied by:
(a) omitting “5°” and substituting “7°” in paragraph 6.5(a); and
(b) omitting “10°” and substituting “7°” in paragraph 6.5(b); and
(c) omitting “5°” and substituting “7°” in clause 8.5; and
(d) omitting “10°” and substituting “7°” in clause 8.5.
16 Curvature
(1) The surface of an infant sleep product on which the infant may lay must:
(a) be flat; and
(b) not have curvature when tested in accordance with subsection (2).
Test method
(2) The curvature of the infant sleep product is to be measured by a digital level placed on the surface on which the infant may lay at various points (including points at both ends and the middle of the surface), with no downward pressure applied (other than that provided by the level itself).
17 Surface rigidity
The surface of an infant sleep product on which the infant may lay (including any mattress of an infant sleep product) must comply with:
(a) the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Methods of testing infant products—Method 1: Sleep Surfaces—Test for firmness; or
(b) the mattress firmness requirements in the European Standard for Children’s furniture—Mattresses for cots and cribs—Safety requirements and test methods; or
(c) the mattress firmness requirements in the US CPSC Standard.
18 Mattress
An infant sleep product that is a mattress, or a mattress supplied with an infant sleep product, must comply with the following:
(a) the requirements in section 17 (surface rigidity);
(b) the mattress dimensions must be clearly indicated on the product;
(c) if the mattress is segmented—the mattress must not fold or separate when laid on;
(d) if the mattress is supplied with a household cot, the mattress must comply with paragraph 6.1(d) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for household cots; and
(e) if the mattress is supplied with an infant sleep product that is not a household cot, the mattress must fit snugly with no gap between the mattress and the sides of the product.
19 Material of sides
An infant sleep product designed with fabric or mesh sides into which an infant may roll:
(a) must either:
(i) have sides that are firm enough to not conform to the shape and contours of the infant’s nose or mouth; or
(ii) be made of a material that an infant can breathe through; and
(b) comply with either:
(i) subclause 6.3.3 (breathability of textiles material and other materials) and clause 8.2 (breathability) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots; or
(ii) paragraph 8.4(d) (firmness) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots.
20 Restraint system etc. prohibited
An infant sleep product must not have a restraint system, harness or strap for restraining an infant.
21 Castors or wheels
If an infant sleep product is fitted with castors or wheels, at least 2 of the castors or wheels must be fitted with a brake.
22 Entanglement hazard
An infant sleep product must not have attached to it any ribbons, cords or other decorations that may be a choking or strangulation hazard to an infant.
23 Fit for purpose
An infant sleep product must be designed to have sufficient strength, stability and integrity to safely support an infant under normal use conditions or foreseeable misuse.
24 Locking mechanism
If an infant sleep product has a locking mechanism:
(a) the locking mechanism must have a clearly distinct locked position; and
(b) when the locking mechanism is engaged, it must be readily apparent that it is engaged; and
(c) the locking mechanism must remain secure when engaged and must not be able to be inadvertently disengaged; and
(d) the locking mechanism must not generate any finger entrapment or pinch points; and
(e) the infant sleep product must comply with clause 10.9 (locking mechanism test) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots.
25 Materials (component requirements)
An infant sleep product must comply with the following:
(a) any components of the infant sleep product that are made from wood must be free from splinters;
(b) any components of the infant sleep product that are made from metal such as springs, nut, bolts and washers must be made of a corrosion‑resistant metal or be corrosion resistant;
(c) any decorative transfers or labels must not be accessible to an infant within the infant sleep product;
(d) the requirements in either:
(i) clause 6.7 (snag points) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for household cots; or
(ii) clause 8.7 (protrusions and gaps) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots;
(e) the requirements in either:
(i) clause 6.8 (sharp edges and sharp points) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for household cots; or
(ii) clause 8.8 (sharp edges and sharp points) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots.
26 Entrapment hazard
(1) An infant sleep product must not have any gaps into which an infant’s finger, limb, head or neck may be inserted and become entrapped.
(2) The infant sleep product must comply with either:
(a) clause 9.2 (entrapment hazard test) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for household cots; or
(b) clause 10.2 (entrapment hazard test) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots.
27 Small parts
Any component or part of an infant sleep product that can detach or be removed without the use of a tool, must not be able to fit entirely within a small parts cylinder that has a 31.7mm wide opening at the top, a cavity depth of the shorter side of 25.4mm and a cavity depth on the longer side of 57.1mm.
Division 3—Specific requirements
Subdivision A—Specific requirements for bassinets
28 Bassinets to which this Subdivision applies
This Subdivision applies to an infant sleep product that is a bassinet other than the following:
(a) an infant sleep product to which Subdivision B applies;
(b) an infant sleep product to which Subdivision C applies.
29 Side height
The vertical distance between the top of the mattress or sleep surface and the top edge of the lowest side or end of a bassinet must not be less than 250 mm.
30 Filler bars
If a bassinet is designed with filler bars or slats, the distance between the adjacent filler bars or slats must not be less than 50 mm and not greater than 65 mm.
31 Materials
If a bassinet is designed with fabric or mesh, the fabric or mesh must comply with the materials requirements in section 6 (materials) of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots.
32 Base width
The width of the base of a bassinet must:
(a) be sufficient to ensure that the bassinet is able to safely contain an infant; and
(b) be sufficiently stable when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
33 Warnings
The bassinet must have a clearly visible, prominent, legible and permanently attached warning that consists of the words “WARNING: do not use this product when the infant begins to push up on hands and knees or has reached [insert manufacturer’s recommended maximum weight], whichever comes first”.
Subdivision B—Specific requirements for folding cots
34 Folding cots to which this Subdivision applies
This Subdivision applies to an infant sleep product that is a folding cot other than the following:
(a) an infant sleep product to which Subdivision A applies;
(b) an infant sleep product to which Subdivision C applies.
35 Specific requirements
(1) A folding cot must comply with the requirements in one of subsection (2), (3) or (4).
(2) A folding cot complies with the requirements of this subsection if the folding cot complies with the following provisions of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for folding cots:
(a) section 7 (construction and assembly);
(b) section 8 (design);
(c) clause 10.3 (stability test);
(d) clause 10.4 (strength test).
(3) A folding cot complies with the requirements of this subsection if the folding cot complies with:
(a) clause 5.12 (stability) of the United States Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non‑Full‑Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards; and
(b) if the folding cot has rigid sides—the following clauses of that standard:
(i) clause 6.2 (crib‑side height);
(ii) clause 6.3 (spacing of unit components);
(iii) clause 6.16 (spindle/slat strength testing); and
(c) if the folding cot has mesh or fabric sides—the following clauses of that standard:
(i) clause 7.2 (height of sides);
(ii) clause 7.3 (side deflection and strength);
(iii) clause 7.4 (floor strength);
(iv) subclause 7.6.2 (mesh strength);
(v) clause 7.7 (fabric material requirements);
(vi) clause 7.8 (mesh/fabric assembly requirements);
(vii) clause 7.10 (top rail configuration).
(4) A folding cot complies with the requirements of this subsection if the folding cot complies with the following provisions of the British Standard for Furniture—Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use:
(a) clause 4.3 (initial stability);
(b) subclause 4.4.6 (locking systems);
(c) sub‑subclause 4.4.7.1 (folding mattress base and cot base);
(d) sub‑subclause 4.4.7.3 (strength of the cot base);
(e) sub‑subclause 4.4.8.2 (distance between footholds and top of cot sides and ends);
(f) sub‑subclause 4.4.8.3.(strength of side and end components);
(g) sub‑subclause 4.4.8.4 (strength of frame and fastenings);
(h) clause 4.5 (final stability).
Note: On request by the regulator, a supplier may be required to nominate the applicable requirements under this section: see section 108 of the Australian Consumer Law.
Subdivision C—Specific requirements for household cots
36 Household cots to which this Subdivision applies
This Subdivision applies to an infant sleep product that is a household cot other than the following:
(a) an infant sleep product to which Subdivision A applies;
(b) an infant sleep product to which Subdivision B applies.
37 Specific requirements
(1) A household cot must comply with the requirements in one of subsection (2), (3) or (4).
(2) A household cot complies with the requirements of this subsection if the household cot complies with the following provisions of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for household cots:
(a) section 5 (construction);
(b) clause 6.1 (dimensions);
(c) clause 6.2 (footholds);
(d) clause 6.5 (bottom rails);
(e) clause 9.3 (impact test);
(f) clause 9.4 (filler bar, filler panel and corner post strength test);
(g) clause 9.8 (stability test).
(3) A household cot complies with the requirements of this subsection if the household cot complies with the following provisions of the United States Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full‑Size Baby Cribs:
(a) clause 5.6 (crib side configurations);
(b) clause 5.7 (full‑size baby cribs—dimensions);
(c) clause 5.8 (spacing of crib components);
(d) clause 6.7 (spindle/slat strength testing).
(4) A household cot complies with the requirements of this subsection if the household cot complies with the following provisions of the British Standard for Furniture—Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use:
(a) clause 4.3 (initial stability);
(b) sub‑subclause 4.4.8.2 (distance between footholds and top of cot sides and ends);
(c) sub‑subclause 4.4.8.3 (strength of side and end components);
(d) sub‑subclause 4.4.8.4 (strength of frame and fastenings);
(e) clause 4.5 (final stability).
Note: On request by the regulator, a supplier may be required to nominate the applicable requirements under this section: see section 108 of the Australian Consumer Law.
38 Dropside requirements
A household cot supplied with a side that is designed to be raised and lowered must comply with the following provisions of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for household cots:
(a) clause 6.3 (design of access fastening device);
(b) clause 6.4 (dropside guides);
(c) clause 9.5 (access fastening device and dropside mechanism strength test);
(d) clause 9.6 (access fastening device durability test);
(e) clause 9.7 (dropside mechanism durability test);
(f) clause 9.11 (dropside strength test).
Part 4—Order of application
39 Order of application
For the purposes of assessing compliance with this instrument, assess compliance with each applicable section in the order the sections appear in this instrument.