The failed products were or are still available from retailers such as Kogan, Amazon and eBay. Amazon Australia has since removed the Gupamiga – Safety Playpen 14 Panels Multiple Classic since being notified by CHOICE.
“If you’ve bought one of these playpens, CHOICE recommends that you discontinue use and seek a refund from the retailer,” says CHOICE testing expert Kim Gilmour.
“There’s no Australian standard for playpens, so CHOICE testing is based on standards for other relevant products as well as international standards. Retailers and buy, swap, sell platforms should remove these products. We’re pleased to see Amazon has recognised CHOICE’s testing and removed one of these products from sale but more action is needed. All retailers should stop selling unsafe playpens. Parents need to watch out for unsafe playpens that may still be available at other retailers or sold second hand,” says Gilmour.
Only 2 playpens are recommended by CHOICE – the Kmart Anko 3 in 1 Playpen 42193715 and Dreambaby Royale Converta 3-in-1. However, 11 other models passed CHOICE’s key safety tests and should not pose a significant risk.
CHOICE is continuing calls for a General Safety Provision – a law that puts the onus on manufacturers and retailers to ensure products they sell are safe before they hit store shelves and online platforms. Australians can join the call for better product safety laws at: CHOICE.com.au/ProductSafety
