Portacots that Meet Australian Standards
“I want to see your portacots that meet Australian Standards.” We hear this every week in-store, so here’s a clear, Australian specific guide to how standards apply to portable cots / travel cots, what to look for, how to buy safely.
All portacots sold in Australia must comply with the mandatory safety standard for folding cots (commonly referred to as AS/NZS 2195 for folding/portable cots). This is a legal requirement for suppliers and retailers. There are also related non-mandatory standards and guidance that reputable brands follow to improve safety and usability.
Key points about Australian Standards for portacots
- Mandatory standard: Portable/folding cots must comply with the Australian Government’s Folding Cots Mandatory Standard (references AS/NZS 2195) which sets out requirements for design, construction, performance, depth, locking devices, safety markings and more.
- Mattress rules: Use only the thin, firm, well-fitting mattress supplied with the portacot. Do not add extra mattresses or padding, as this can create entrapment/suffocation risks. See Red Nose guidance on portable/folding cots and safe mattresses.
- Non-mandatory guidance: Safe sleep organisations recommend a firm, flat surface and a mattress that fits snugly on all sides. Cot/portable cot sleep surfaces are commonly assessed against AS/NZS 8811.1 sleep surface firmness principles.
There are issues you must be aware of when purchasing a folding cot / portable cot / travel cot…
In practice, standards enforcement is more straightforward for products sold through reputable Australian retail stores than overseas online marketplaces. Regulators can and do audit display stock locally. Over the years, we’ve had investigators visit, check products and confirm compliance. We welcome this – it helps keep families safe.
Why buy a portacot from a family owned baby shop
Small, independent stores live and breathe product knowledge and accountability. We personally evaluate ranges, train our team, stand behind what we sell. If something’s not right, you have a real person and a real store to help – not just a marketplace listing.
What the mandatory standard covers (in plain English)
- Design and construction
- Mattresses, padding and cushioning material
- Minimum measurements
- Depth (upper and lower base positions)
- Footholds and openings
- Locking devices and stability
- Safety and performance testing
- Safety markings and instructions (including mattress size/warnings)
About public testing and media reports
Over the years, different organisations have tested portable cots and reported failures. While stronger standards are always welcome, interpretation can vary where requirements aren’t expressed as a precise number. Our position is simple: buy reputable brands that clearly meet the mandatory standard, follow the supplied instructions exactly, never modify the sleep surface (no add-on mattresses or padding).
Mattresses: what the rules really mean
The mattress and all padding and cushioning material must be sufficiently firm to stop them forming to the contours of a child’s face. The mattress must touch the cot on every side and fit snugly. Portable/folding cots must not include inflatable mattresses or parts in the sleep surface.
The above is consistent with the Australian Government’s mandatory folding cots standard and Red Nose’s advice to use only the original, thin, firm, well fitting mattress supplied with the portable cot. If baby refuses to sleep on an overly hard surface, the answer is not to add padding – it’s to seek a different compliant product that still provides a firm, safe surface.
How to choose a compliant portacot (and avoid common risks)
- Check the label and manual: There should be clear warnings, mattress sizing, assembly/locking instructions consistent with the mandatory standard.
- Set up exactly as instructed: Always fully lock the frame, check for damage or wear, verify the base and mattress are flat and secure before each sleep. (Guidance echoed by education/regulatory bodies.)
- Use only the supplied mattress: Never add extra mattresses, toppers or padding; this increases entrapment and suffocation risk. See Red Nose on portable cots and safe mattresses.
- Choose a trusted retailer: A knowledgeable, bricks and mortar baby store can explain standards, demonstrate correct setup, help you pick a model that suits your space and travel needs.
Summary
I hope this article clarifies how to identify portacots that meet Australian Standards. If you’re weighing up models, need help with setup and safe use, our team is here to help in-store or over the phone.
In addition, you need to pick the right travel cot for your specific needs. Everyone’s needs are different. I highly recommend that you check out my previous article here.
At Bubs n Grubs, we have a great range of Portacots / Travel Cots and Folding Cots. We, the owners (Judy and myself) hand pick each product based on what our combined experience of over 20 years and over 15 years in this business has taught us.
We have learned from talking to mums and dad’s and understanding what their needs are. Don’t forget we have a highly trained team of products specialists who can spend time with you to give you the right advice in store or over the phone.
Click the button below and check out the range and don’t hesitate to pop in to store or call one of our baby products experts for any questions or advice you need about finding the Portacot for your needs.
See you online or in store soon!
Frank
Standards & Guidance (Australia)
- Folding Cots – Mandatory Standard (ACCC / Product Safety Australia)
- Red Nose: Portable/Folding Cots – Safe Use
- Red Nose: What is a Safe Mattress?
- Standards Australia: Safe Sleeping & Mattress Firmness (AS/NZS 8811.1)
Safety Disclaimer
This content is general information for Australia. Always follow the product manual and relevant Australian Standards. For safe sleep, use a firm, flat surface and the original supplied mattress only. If unsure, consult Red Nose Australia guidance or ask our trained team for help.
About the Author
Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2009. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2009. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners in Australia who regularly engages with customers in his store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.
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