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Childcare Articles - Baby carriers and cots

13.11.2019

84 baby carriers have been tested during the Joint Action. JA2016 also provided an opportunity to verify the efficacy of the new European Cot Standard which has been introduced since the poor results obtained in JA2013 with 92% of cots tested failed the standards then in force and half were found to present a serious risk to consumers.

In JA2016 round 88% of baby carriers and 87% of cots were found to be non-compliant. The results for cots demonstrate that the recently updated standard has not yet had time to take effect. A total of 27 products were reported in the European Commission Safety Gate. By the end of the project the participating MSAs will have undertaken enforcement action on 89 products. The project concluded that the current safety standards for baby carriers are not as clear as they could be and the updated safety standard for cots is still lacking in a couple of areas.

CONSUMER ADVICE:

In respect of baby carriers, the consumer should ensure that:
    •     The baby is kept secure in the carrier, in an upright position with their spine supported, where the     parent/carer can see baby’s face;
    •     The baby’s airway must be kept clear (their chin must not rest on their chest, baby’s mouth and nose must     not be covered by parent’s skin/clothing/ fabric of carrier).

In respect of cots, the consumer should ensure that:
    •     When using cots-products such as baby nests, duvets, pillows, loose bedding, padded cot bumpers and     other items that can place soft padding close to the baby’s face should be avoided as they can present     suffocation and overheating hazards. Products, such as sleep positioners, wedges or straps, that will keep     your baby in one sleeping position should not be used.

TIL BAKA