Portable Cots and Play-yards

This Topic Includes:
Using your portable cot or play-yard
Portable Cots and Play-yards factsheet - Pdf

Portable cots and play-yards are not as sturdy as standard cots. They are designed for convenient, but not constant, use.

The Ministry recommends that when a baby will be left unsupervised, especially overnight, the cot or other sleeping environment ought to comply with an Australian/New Zealand Standard.

Remember

• All children’s furniture wears out over time – repair or replace at the first sign of wear.
• Use the mattress supplied by the manufacturer – using a substitute can create a safety hazard.
• Make sure the mattress fits snugly– there must be no more than 25 mm gap between the mattress and the side of the cot.
• Check regularly for holes in the fabric or loose catches – repair or replace at the first sign of wear.

Buying a portable cot or play-yard

• Ask the shop assistant to show you how to fold and put it up.
• Make sure the catches lock firmly.

Check that the mattress fits snugly.

• Does it have a removable base? If so, check that the base can be firmly secured.
• Does it have bars? If so, check that the space between bars is 50 mm-85mm.
• Ask the shop assistant if the product complies with a safety standard.
• Keep the receipt of purchase. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act your purchase must be of acceptable quality, last a reasonable time, and be safe.

Read the Cots Factsheet prepared by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs if you are buying a regular cot.
(The Cots factsheet is now available online in PDF format (98 KBs). Instructions for obtaining the Adobe Acrobat viewer. The printed factsheet can also be ordered using our online Publications Form.)
 

Using your portable cot or play-yard

Always check:

• It is assembled correctly – follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• It is used correctly – follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Locks and catches are firmly in place.
• The base cannot move apart or fall down.
• The mattress fits snugly.

PDF of publication/Ordering publication

The Portable Cots and Play-yards factsheet is now available online in PDF format (81 KBs). Instructions for obtaining the Adobe Acrobat viewer.

The printed factsheet can also be ordered using our online Publications Form.