Folding cots mandatory standard

Products the mandatory standard applies to

Portable folding cots are small, enclosed beds for babies and toddlers. They can be folded when not being used or for moving to a different location.

This mandatory standard applies to children's portable folding cots that are:

• portable
• used for sleeping
• folded when not in use
• playpens that have a floor.

A playpen with a floor has similar product characteristics and features to a folding cot. The floor is provided as a supportive base and is an integral component of the product.

Products the mandatory standard does not apply to

The mandatory standard doesn’t apply to playpens without a floor.

Complying with the mandatory standard

Testing

The mandatory standard includes some features you can check. Testing must be done to make sure folding cots meet requirements for impact, strength, load, durability and stability. Suppliers should organise product testing through specialist testing laboratories.

Design and construction

Folding cots come with either a fixed mattress that forms part of the base or a separate mattress that can be removed.

Mattresses, padding and cushioning material

The mattress and all padding and cushioning material must be firm enough to stop them forming to the shape of a child’s face.

The base must provide a firm flat support for a mattress or should incorporate a mattress.

The mattress must touch the cot on every side and fit snugly.

Folding cots must not have a mattress or other parts within the folding cot that are inflatable. Manually inflating and self-inflating mattresses are not allowed.

Minimum measurements

All folding cots have one base sleeping position. However, some have an extra upper base position designed as a bassinet or change table.

To stop children climbing out of the cot, minimum height measurements apply to:

• the sides or ends of folding cots in relation to the lower cot base and any upper base position
• the position of features that might be used as footholds.

Depth of folding cot lower position

• When no mattress is fitted, the vertical distance from the top of the base to the top edge of the lowest side or end must be a minimum of 550 mm.
• When a mattress is fitted, the vertical distance from the top of the mattress to the top edge of the lowest side or end must be a minimum of 500 mm.

Depth of folding cot upper position

With or without a mattress fitted, the vertical distance from the upper base to the top of the lowest side or end must be a minimum of 250 mm.

Footholds

There must be no features up to 500 mm above the mattress base that create a potential foothold that would allow a child to climb out.

Locking devices

The locking devices that operate the folding mechanism must be designed so that the folding cot doesn’t collapse inadvertently. All locking devices should:

• have a clearly distinct locked position
• be designed so that a child inside the cot can’t open or activate the mechanism.

Safety and performance

To stop children climbing out of the folding cot, specific minimum height measurements apply to:

• the sides or ends of folding cots in relation to the lower cot base and any upper base position
• the position of features that might be used as footholds.

Safety markings

Folding cots must be permanently, prominently and legibly marked on the inside so that users will see the marking when erecting the cot. The marking must include:

• instructions for assembly and locking procedures
• a warning to check before each use that the cot is correctly assembled and that locking devices are fully engaged
• either a warning to only use a mattress of specified dimensions or a warning to only use the mattress supplied with the product - both are allowed
• a warning not to add an extra mattress as this may cause suffocation.

When a product does not comply

Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.

Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.

See also

Portable folding cots consumer guidance

Household cots mandatory standard

Infant sleep products and inclined non-sleep products mandatory standards