to the attention of the parliament today a very important product recall. I have been advised today that a
baby change table has been recalled nationally by manufacturer IGC Dorel. This follows an
investigation by the Office of Fair Trading and the Brisbane Coroner’s office into the tragic death of a
nine-month-old boy late last year.
The change table, which is clipped onto the top of a cot for use, is fitted with straps that can
secure the baby. With this particular change table the straps are of a length that allows the restraint to be
fastened underneath, creating a loop of more than 95 centimetres inside the cot. This creates a serious
risk of strangulation for a baby. That means that some parents or carers may place their baby in the cot
while the change table is still attached without realising the danger this could cause.
It is understood that up to 50,000 products may be affected across Australia. The change table
fits various brands of cots including Go Safe, Mother’s Choice, Holden, ZuZu, Berini, Disney Pooh, Baby
Club and Ball of Fun. My advice is that the change table has been a popular item in Australia and New
Zealand since 2004 and has been sold by nursery retailers and major department stores. It is vital that
consumers who have purchased one of these portable cots that includes the change table contact the
company urgently so that a modification can be arranged at no charge to the consumer. Consumers
may arrange for their change table to be modified by contacting IGC Dorel on free call 1300 809 526
between normal business hours.
While this incident has prompted a change in the new draft Australian Standards to eliminate this
hazard for portable cots, my advice is that the Office of Fair Trading is concerned about the number of
potential problem products. I urge all consumers to check their change tables for this type of
strangulation hazard and contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04 if they have any questions or
concerns about a similar product that may not be included in the above recalled products list.
The Office of Fair Trading has put together seven safety steps for portable cot safety that parents
and carers can follow: only use the mattress that was supplied with the portable cot or recommended by
the manufacturer; make sure the sides and ends are fully locked in whenever it is used; stop using the
cot if the mesh is torn; if it has a bassinette or change table attachment make sure it is removed if the
child is in the cot; make sure the change table and bassinette are fitted correctly with no straps hanging
within the cot; use only for temporary sleeping arrangements; and always follow the manufacturer’s
instructions.
