The recall 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 on to the top of a cot for use, is fitted with straps which can be used to secure the baby.
Tourism and Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said the change table’s straps created a risk of strangulation if it was left fitted to the cot.
“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 95cm inside the cot. This creates a serious strangulation risk for a baby,” Mr Lawlor said.
“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.
“As a cot is one of the few products where a child is left unattended it is critical they are safe.”
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.
The change table fits various brands of cots including Go Safe, Mothers Choice, Holden, ZuZu, Berini, Disney Pooh, Baby Club and Ball of Fun. It is understood up to 50 000 products may be affected.
“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,” said the Minister.
To arrange for your change table to be modified, IGC Dorel can be contacted on freecall 1300 809 526 between normal business hours.
Mr Lawlor urged all consumers to check the change tables and cots for accessories, such as straps, which may be dangerous.
“Parents should always remove the change table before placing a child in the cot,” she said.
“I cannot stress how important it is for parents and child carers to make sure the cot has no strangulation hazards within the cot.
“While this incident has prompted a change in the new draft Australian Standard to eliminate this hazard for portable cots, the Office of Fair Trading is concerned about the number of potential problem products.”
Consumers are urged to check their change tables for this type of strangulation hazard and should 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 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
- Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
For more information or to report an unsafe product call the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.
