Cots (folding)

Folding cots are collapsible and portable sleeping enclosures designed for use with infants and babies. These cots have raised sides and ends and a base. Folding cots are intended for temporary use. They are also known as portable cots, travel cots or portacots.

Children can suffer serious injuries if they fall when trying to climb out of the cot using footholds or objects left in the cot.

If there are gaps in the cot created by ill-fitting or additional mattresses, infants can roll into the gaps, become trapped and suffocate. 

Infants can also become trapped and strangled if cots accidentally collapse when they are not properly assembled and locked into place.

To minimise these risks, there is a mandatory standard for folding cots.