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About cubby houses and tents
Cubby houses and tents are small pretend houses for children to play in and around. They usually consist of one room and are sometimes elevated.
Risks and injuries from the product
Children can be trapped inside a cubby house if its doors are not easily opened from the inside.
Their fingers can be caught or crushed in the gap at the hinged side of a cubby house door.
Children can suffocate if they are inside the cubby house or tent for a long period and it doesn't have enough ventilation.
Children can also suffer other injuries if a cubby house or a tent is in an isolated area or unsafe place.
Things to look for when buying the product
Some serious injuries have happened to children playing in and around cubby houses and tents.
There isn’t a mandatory safety standard for cubby houses and tents, but these are tips you can follow for safer use.
Design and construction
- The cubby house or tent has adequate ventilation in the covers, walls or doors.
- It can be easily opened from the inside, if it has doors.
- It has a 1.5 cm gap at the hinged side of the doors.
- If a cubby house, it has no splinters, sharp edges or gaps where children can become trapped.
Second-hand cubbies and tents
If you decide to use, buy or borrow second-hand cubbies or tents, make sure:
- the product hasn't been recalled
- it includes the instructions for safe use
- all of its parts are in good working order.
For tips and more information, see Buy second-hand products that are safe.
How to use the product safely
To keep your child safe, make sure:
- you follow the product assembly instructions
- you follow product guidelines for your child’s age, size and development
- the ventilation openings aren’t blocked when the cubby or tent is against a wall
- that if the cubby house or tent is kept outside you periodically check it’s still in good condition.
