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Understanding the new mandatory standards for infant sleep products in Australia
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Fiona Alston
Nov 07, 2025
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This article is for informational purposes only. It provides a summary of regulatory requirements and does not constitute legal advice. Providers and suppliers should refer to the full legislative instruments and seek professional advice for compliance.
Early childhood services, manufacturers and retailers should note the recent changes to Australia’s regulatory framework governing infant sleep products. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has introduced two new mandatory standards a safety standard and an information standard that apply from 19 January 2026 (after a transition period). These standards mark a significant shift in how products designed or marketed for infant sleep (and certain inclined products) are regulated, with implications particularly for early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.There are two related but separate standards:
Mandatory Safety Standard applies to “infant sleep products” those designed or marketed for use by an infant for the purpose of sleep.
This standard sets out requirements covering design, construction, performance and testing. Key provisions include:
- Sleep surface must be flat (not curved) and inclined no more than 7° to the horizontal.
- Mesh or fabric sides must be firm, breathable and must not collapse to cause suffocation risk.
- No sharp points or edges, no gaps that can trap a baby’s head/neck/limbs/fingers.
- For household cots and folding cots: additional requirements referencing recognised standards (e.g., AS/NZS 2172, ASTM F1169‑19, BS EN 716‑1 2017) apply.
- Products with castors or wheels must have at least two with brakes; locking mechanisms must clearly show when engaged.
Mandatory Information Standard applies to all infant sleep products and products that are not sleep products but have inclined surfaces on which an infant may lie (even if not marketed for sleep).
Requirements include:
- Warnings and safety information supplied with the product (e.g., correct assembly, mattress size, sleep positioning, keeping away from blind‐cords/straps, no added objects).
- Clear manufacturer markings (origin, model) on the product.
- For inclined non‐sleep products, marking must indicate “not for infant sleep” or supervision required.
The standards apply to a broad range of infant sleep products, defined as those designed or marketed for infant sleep or where an infant may sleep. Examples include: bassinets, cradles, co‑sleepers, inclined sleepers, household cots, portable/folding cots.
Some inclined or soothing products (e.g., bouncers, hammocks, rockers, swings) may also fall under the information standard if marketed or used as a place where a baby may sleep.
The new standards were introduced on 18 July 2024. Suppliers and manufacturers have until 19 January 2026 to fully comply. During this transition period, special provisions apply: for example, household cots and folding cots may continue under existing mandatory standards until 19 January 2026.
From 19 January 2026 onwards:
Any new or imported infant sleep products must comply with the 2024 safety standard called the Consumer Goods Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024
The corresponding information standard (called the Consumer Goods (Infant Products) Information Standard 2024) applies.
For early childhood education and care services (ECEC), the new standards deliver several important implications:
- Purchasing and procurement: Services must ensure any infant sleep surface (cot, bassinet, sleep device) meets the new standard or will do so after 19 January 2026.
- Inclined devices and sleep: Products previously used for settling or sleep (e.g., inclined loungers) may now fall under the information standard if children are placed to sleep in them. Services should review practices and equipment to align with the new guidance that inclined surfaces should not be used for unsupervised sleep unless expressly permitted.
- Risk management and compliance: Non‑compliance may lead to fines, recalls or liability issues. Services must ensure that equipment used for sleep is tested, serviced, and documented to meet the standard’s requirements.
- Training and policy updates: Educators and staff should be aware of the new requirements and incorporate them into sleep safety policies, educator training, documentation of equipment and incident procedures. The obligation to supply warnings and safe‑sleep notices also impacts how sleep spaces are managed and communicated to families.
- Equity and safety: The standards support national safe‑sleep messages (e.g., placing babies on their back, firm flat surface) and reduce risks of suffocation, entrapment and accident associated with sleep devices. For services, alignment with these standards reinforces a safe‑sleep environment consistent with best practice in early learning settings.
The new mandatory standards for infant sleep products represent a proactive regulatory response aimed at reducing risk of infant injury and death from sleep-related devices and surfaces. For the ECEC sector, they underscore the importance of deliberate procurement, educator awareness and alignment with safe-sleep practice.
ECEC providers are encouraged to refer to national best-practice guidance to support consistent implementation:
Safe sleep and rest practices – ACECQA – supporting alignment with the National Quality Standard, particularly QA2: Children’s Health and Safety.
Red Nose – outlining evidence-based advice for infant sleep safety
With the full compliance date set for 19 January 2026, now is the time for early childhood services, manufacturers and retailers to audit equipment, update policies and ensure that all infant sleep surfaces uphold these robust safety and information requirements.
This article summarises publicly available regulatory information as of the date of publication. Regulatory obligations may change, and services should refer to the ACCC and official legislative instruments for detailed compliance requirements.
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