Popular Baby Cot Mattresses Fail Firmness Safety Tests
Three popular brands in the cot mattress market have failed safety test designed to reduce the risk of infant suffocation. This has prompted calls by Choice for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to make the firmness test mandatory for all products.
The consumer group tested 12 cot mattresses and found that products from Childcare, Sealy and Love N Care failed the voluntary firmness test, leading to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
‘Mattresses that are too soft are a risk factor that can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Consumer group has urged the authorities to introduce a mandatory firmness checks for all mattresses. ’
Any sleep surface that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS. The safety tests have been in place since 2013. However, manufacturers are not required to test mattresses for firmness before being sold.
"It is gravely concerning that three of the biggest brands in the cot mattress market have failed a safety test that has been in place for three years," says Tom Godfrey, Choice spokesman.
"With the mandatory Australian Standard for cots set to be reviewed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission this year, it's time to put our kids' safety first and mandate the 'firmness test'."
The products that failed were the Love N Care Organic Aloe Vera Latex Mattress, the Childcare Inner Spring Breathable Mattress and the Sealy Baby Cot Mattress Dreamy.
Love N Care CEO Terry Elchek said that they disagreed with the test results but still "took it very seriously". He said the company had conducted its safety checks, and sent the product back to the factory for additional testing.
Sealy claims their mattresses have passed the firmness standard in their lab, but would "immediately review its cot mattress specifications to address any potential for variation and non-compliance with the norm."
Childcare has also taken the assessment results seriously and they are are sending their product back for more testing.
Source: Medindia