A shocking number of baby cots sold online are failing safety tests, putting infants at risk, a new report has revealed.
Even some familiar brand names are affected.
For new parents a cot is one of the first big purchases and one of the most important.
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Once a baby has grown out of a bassinet, a cot becomes the main sleeping space for daytime naps and at night — making safety absolutely critical.
Australia’s leading consumer advocacy group CHOICE tested a range of baby cots, finding serious safety issues with some.
Most of the unsafe cots were purchased from online marketplaces such as eBay and Baby Bunting Marketplace, with one model from Big W.
CHOICE warns these cots could put babies at risk of falls, limb entrapment, or other injuries.
CHOICE tested 14 cots and found five with safety issues:
- Grotime Haven cot ($139) — structural weaknesses and poor workmanship
- Consol Roma cot ($229) — gaps that could trap limbs and difficult assembly
- Luxo Baby Eudora cot ($249) — unsafe dropside locking mechanism
- Koko & Scar cot ($279) — missing safety warnings and mattress sizing information
- Sweet Pea Anita cot ($370) — fragile construction and an easily triggered dropside.
CHOICE baby product expert Kim Gilmour said parents need to be cautious when buying online.
“While a low price tag is enticing, we have found that many cheap cots sold on marketplace sites are not meeting quality and safety standards,” she said.
“Some had no safety warnings and were missing information about recommended mattress sizes. Others were poorly made with dropsides that could easily be triggered, risking babies falling out.”
Unsafe cots can lead to serious injuriesm CHOICE warns. A child’s head or limbs can become trapped, fingers caught in mechanisms, and children can be hurt climbing out.
Faulty construction can cause parts to break, and an ill-fitting mattress can increase the risk of suffocation.
CHOICE tested each cot against key safety clauses from the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172:2013.
This included checking gaps between bars, dropside strength, depth of the cot, strangulation risks, and correct mattress sizing.
Only cots that pass these stringent tests are recommended.
While eBay has removed the dangerous cots from sale, several are still listed on other online websites.
For example, the Sweet Pea Anita cot is currently listed online at Baby Bunting, and the Grotime Haven cot is still available at Big W.
The makers of the Sweet Pea cot said it has undergone independent lab testing and meets mandatory safety standards. CHOICE said it stands by its own testing results.
At the moment, it is not illegal to sell unsafe products in Australia.
A small number of items are covered by mandatory standards or bans but there is no general law stopping unsafe goods from hitting the shelves, unlike in the EU or UK.
That means when you buy something in-store or online, there is no guarantee the product has been properly safety-checked.
CHOICE said this is why stronger safety laws are urgently needed.
Deputy director of campaigns and communications Andy Kelly said online marketplaces often fail to ensure products sold are safe.
He called on the government to introduce stronger laws to make it illegal to sell unsafe products and close loopholes that allow marketplaces to avoid responsibility.
CHOICE recommends buying in-store when possible to inspect cots firsthand, ensuring they meet Australian safety standards and have proper certification.
Parents should also consider second-hand cots carefully, checking all parts work, catches are secure, and the mattress fits safely.
A new mandatory Australian standard for cots comes into effect in January 2026 but, until then, parents should remain vigilant.
For full test results and guidance on safe cot choices, visit CHOICE.
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