Product safety

Small children have little understanding of danger and can be at risk from a range of hazards if left unattended. The most serious risks from children's furniture are:

• Falls - the most common type of accident involving cots or highchairs.
• Strangulation - if clothing is caught or the head is trapped.
• Choking - on small parts or decorations that may come loose.

And that's not to mention getting fingers or limbs trapped in small gaps and cuts from sharp edges.

Always ask for the instructions, or check that they can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. You need to know how to set up the product and use it safely.

Tip: Many nursery products are covered by standards which aim to prevent injury or reduce the risk. Look for a mark that shows the product complies with a British (BS), American (ASTM or CFR) or Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS) standard.

Buying on Trade Me

When buying goods from a website you can't inspect them before you buy.

A product may have been bought overseas where complying with a standard is not required. If it is old or damaged it may no longer meet the requirements of the standard it claims to meet.

Christine Turner of Trade Me says the site has systems in place to reduce the risk to buyers. People wishing to sell a product which appears on their list of Restricted Items - such as a child's car seat or a cot - must confirm that it complies with the approved standard.

If you're not satisfied with the product you've bought, you can place feedback or contact Trade Me. If there are safety concerns Trade Me will refer the product to the Commerce Commission or the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

There is also a Community Watch button on each listing. You can use this to report a product you suspect may be unsafe. Trade Me staff would check the product and, if there were any concerns, remove it or refer it to the Commerce Commission or the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

More information

• Keeping kids safe: www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/productsafety