New 2024 Infant Sleep Product Standards: What Child Care Centres Need to Know

At Hello Comfy, safety has always been at the heart of what we do. With new mandatory standards for infant sleep products now in effect across Australia, many educators, centres, and parents are asking what this means for them. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changed, why it matters, and how our Australian-made Child Care Sleep Mats fit within these updated safety expectations.

About the New Mandatory Standards

In July 2024, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) introduced two new laws designed to make sleep products for babies safer:

• Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024
• Consumer Goods (Infant Products) Information Standard 2024

These standards apply to any product that is intended or marketed for use by infants under 12 months during sleep. They set out strict rules for design, testing, and labelling. The transition period ends on 19 January 2026, when compliance becomes mandatory for all affected suppliers.

The main goal of the standards is to reduce the risk of suffocation, entrapment, or injury from unsafe or inclined sleeping products. To do this, the standards require that infant sleep surfaces are firm, flat, and free from hazards like loose padding or gaps.

Key Requirements Under the New Standards

To comply with the Infant Sleep Products Safety Standard 2024, manufacturers and suppliers must ensure:

• Sleep surfaces are flat and rigid, with no incline greater than 10 degrees.
• Surfaces provide firm support, tested to AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 – Sleep Surfaces – Test for Firmness.
• Products are stable, well-constructed, and structurally sound, with no gaps, mesh, or padding that could cover an infant’s face.
• Clear and permanent warning labels include guidance to:
  • Place infant on their back to sleep.
  • Use only on a firm, flat surface.
  • Do not add pillows, quilts, toys, or loose bedding.
  • Keep away from cords, blinds, and straps.
  • Regularly check for wear or missing parts.
• Manufacturer details must be clearly displayed on the product or packaging.

Do the New Standards Apply to Hello Comfy Sleep Mats?

Our Hello Comfy Child Care Sleep Mats are designed for children aged 12 months and over, and are used for supervised nap or rest time in early-learning and child-care settings.

Because they are not intended for infants under 12 months or for unsupervised sleep, they are not classified as infant sleep products under the new standards.

However, we’ve voluntarily aligned with key elements of the standards to ensure the highest safety and quality for older children. Each Hello Comfy mat includes:

• Foam that has been tested to AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 – Sleep Surfaces – Test for Firmness.
• Flame-retardant, UV-stabilised, waterproof vinyl that is easy to clean and built for durability.
• A permanent woven label with clear age guidance, warnings, and care instructions.
• Transparent communication that our mats are not suitable for infants under 12 months and are intended for supervised nap or rest use only.
  

What Child Care Centres Should Know

If you’re running or managing a child-care service, here’s what you can do to maintain compliance and best practice:

1. Check labels carefully to confirm age suitability and usage guidance.
2. Use Hello Comfy Sleep Mats only for children aged 12 months and above.
3. Always place mats on a firm, flat surface, keeping the rest area clear of pillows, quilts, or toys.
4. Keep mats away from cords and blinds to prevent entanglement hazards.
5. Inspect regularly for any signs of damage or wear and replace mats when needed.
6. Follow your centre’s safe sleep and supervision policies at all times.
   

Our Commitment to Product Safety

We proudly manufacture every Hello Comfy Sleep Mat in Melbourne, and we’re committed to meeting or exceeding Australian safety expectations.

• Australian Made Certified: Each mat is licensed under the official Australian Made® Campaign.
• Locally Tested Materials: Foam components are tested in Australia for firmness and consistency.
• Comprehensive Labelling: All mats include permanent care, safety, and manufacturer details.
• Continuous Improvement: We stay informed through ACCC updates, Product Safety Australia bulletins, and Red Nose guidance to ensure our products remain safe and compliant.

In Summary

The Infant Sleep Products Safety Standard 2024 and Information Standard 2024 mark an important step in improving safety across Australia’s baby and child-care industry.

While our Hello Comfy Child Care Sleep Mats are designed for supervised rest time for children aged 12 months and over, we support the intent behind these changes. We’ll continue to test, refine, and educate our customers to ensure every product we make meets the highest standards of comfort and care.

If you would like more information or a copy of our foam firmness testing results, contact us at sales@hellocomfy.com.au

For More Information

For official guidance and updates about the new standards, visit the ACCC Product Safety Australia website at www.productsafety.gov.au

If you have questions about our mats or compliance documentation, get in touch with us directly: sales@hellocomfy.com.au

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only. It reflects Hello Comfy’s interpretation of the Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024, the Consumer Goods (Infant Products) Information Standard 2024, and AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 – Sleep Surfaces – Test for Firmness.

Hello Comfy is not a legal advisory body, and this article does not constitute legal advice. For specific compliance requirements, please refer to the official ACCC resources or seek professional legal guidance.