And baby food is particularly persistent – have you ever tried to get dried Weet-Bix off the wall without taking a layer of paint off with it? That stuff sets like concrete!

Between the nappies, extra laundry and sleep deprivation, you already have enough to deal with – so anything you can do to lessen the load is worth it.

Since the high chair is ground zero for mealtimes, minimising the nooks and crannies where food can accumulate will make cleaning up faster and less agonising.

So what makes a high chair easier to clean? And how do you decide which one is best for your baby? We’ll explain, and tell you which hard-to-clean high chairs are best to avoid.

How we test ease of cleaning

To assess how easy high chairs are to clean, our experts play with their food – literally.

In our labs, they cover the tray, seat back, padding and harness with Weet-Bix and milk, spaghetti with tomato sauce, and baby food, then let it dry overnight.

The next day, they set to work wiping, scrubbing and washing each section of the high chair, then score it on how difficult it is to clean.

They find that chairs with lots of cracks and crevices are generally harder to clean, so they tend to score lower.

Since cleaning is such a big part of what makes parents’ lives easier, the ease of cleaning score makes up 30% of the total ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating.

What to look for in a high chair

Just like every baby is different, so too is every family’s priorities for a high chair. Here are a few things to consider before you go shopping:

Space

How much room do you have? If your dining room is tiny (or non-existent), a high chair that folds up could help free up space in between meals. 

Trays might be handy, but they do increase the size of a high chair. Would you be better off just parking the high chair at the table and using the table top instead of a tray? Or would you rather keep the mealtime mayhem well away from your furniture?

Safety

Toddlers are squirmy creatures and if there’s a way to escape, they’ll find it. If they’re not securely contained in their high chair they could fall or climb out and be injured.

“It’s best practice for a high chair to have a five-point harness with waist, shoulder and crotch straps,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog baby and kids product expert Kim Gilmour.

Stability

Chair legs that splay outwards will make a high chair more stable, so look for a high chair that has a footprint larger than the seat.Ìý

Our expert testers rigorously assess each high chair to check if it’ll topple over sideways or backwards – check our reviews to make sure you’re buying a chair that’ll stay put, no matter how active your child is.

Sustainability

Rather than buying a new chair every time your child grows, you could consider a convertible chair that you can modify to suit your child’s needs. 

Convertible high chairs may cost more upfront, but take into account how much use you’ll get out of it – if your child uses it until they’re big enough to sit in a regular dining chair, then you won’t have to spend money on booster seats and the like.

Bear in mind though that you may need to pay extra for attachments such as a tray, harness and safety bar.

The high chairs that score lowest for ease of cleaning

Unless you’re keen on spending hours scrubbing mushed avocado, days-old Bolognaise and broccoli puree from hard-to-reach corners, avoid these high chairs.

They range in price from $35 to $578, which just goes to show that even expensive designer chairs aren’t necessarily designed to be parent-friendly.

Leander Chair

• Ease of cleaning score: 20%
• Price: $430

Mocka Soho High Chair

• Ease of cleaning score: 45%
• Price: $150

4Baby Easy Highchair

• Ease of cleaning score: 47%
• Price: $35

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair (with Baby Set)

• Ease of cleaning score: 48%
• Price: $578

4Baby Diner

• Ease of cleaning score: 48%
• Price: $99

InfaSecure Babytime Sedia High/Low Chair

• Ease of cleaning score: 49%
• Price: $330

Love n Care Montana BP 894 High Chair

• Ease of cleaning score: 50%
• Price: $250

The post The high chairs that are hardest to clean appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

If you’re in the market for a high chair, you’ve probably noticed that prices vary dramatically from one product to the next.

Although simple models such as the Ikea Antilop (or one of its clones) can cost $25 or less, designer high chairs from brands including Stokke, Boori and Bloom can set you back anywhere from $300 to almost $800.

But do you really need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a good high chair? It’s easy to be swayed by fancy features and eye-catching designs, but most seasoned parents will tell you that safety, convenience and ease of cleaning are what matter most.

To make life easy for you, our experts have tested more than 30 high chairs, looking specifically at these factors. And it turns out the more expensive product isn’t always the best.

Benefits of a high-end high chair

Good looks

A high chair may be a practical item, but it’s also a fairly large piece of furniture that’s frequently (or even constantly) on display in your home, so the way it looks can be important. 

“Some expensive high chairs are real showpieces that can complement a modern kitchen, with striking wooden or chrome designs,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog children’s product expert Kim Gilmour.

But she also points out plenty of decent ‘copycat’ models are available for much lower prices.

For example, if you like the Scandinavian look, you could shell out $369 for the Stokke Clikk. 

But for less than half the price, the Childcare Eve ($129) achieved a similar score, and the Mocka Jenson ($170) scored significantly higher. Both have a similar look

Extra features

“Many expensive high chairs have added features that could make mealtimes more comfortable for you and your baby, such as an adjustable height and reclinable functionality,” says Kim.

But, once again, she says there are many cheaper models that can do the same job for a fraction of the price.

For example, the Bloom Fresco ($799) lets you recline and swivel it, and also adjust the height of the seat and footrest. But the $180 Steelcraft Sit and Relax scores higher overall and is reclinable, has a height-adjustable seat and footrest, and, unlike the Bloom, the seat can be lowered to become a low chair and the chair can be folded down.

Converts into a toddler/adult chair

It can definitely be worth paying more for a chair that your child will continue to use into their toddler years and beyond.

Kim says many ÌÇÐÄVlog members are particularly happy with models such as the Stokke Tripp Trapp with baby set ($578) which, although more expensive at first, can later be used as a children’s and adult’s chair, offering good value in the long run.

One parent, Megan, told us that she loves her Tripp Trapp so much she bought another one for her second child.

“100% worth it,” she says. “I love it. Not a bad word could be said about it. And I think I get more use out of it than a cheaper one.”

But if you don’t have that much cash to burn on a Stokke, there’s a Kmart dupe for just $149 that our experts also rate. We compare the two in detail in this article, or see our comparison of key points below.

Downsides of high-end high chairs

Impractical design

Although some of the features boasted by designer chairs sound impressive, they may not actually be very useful. Kim gives the example of the Bloom Fresco ($799), which is feature-packed but can be a drag to use.

“It looks very stylish, but it weighs 14kg, so it’s really difficult to move around,” she says.

What’s more, some of the features can actually be more hassle than they’re worth.

“The fact that the Bloom can swivel 360 degrees may sound cool, but if you haven’t locked the seat in place, you might find food flying into all four corners of your kitchen,” she says.

Difficult to clean

Attractive design features can sometimes be the very things that make a high chair a nightmare to clean. 

According to our experts, the $601 Bugaboo Giraffe (with baby set, pillow and tray) might look chic in your kitchen, but after the first few mealtimes it could become something of an eyesore as it is surprisingly difficult to clean. 

And even some of the products that look easy to clean can prove deceptively tricky in this regard. For example, the sleek wooden Leander chair ($430) scored just 20% for ease of cleaning, while the harness on the Stokke Tripp Trapp with baby set ($578) is prone to staining.

Safety concerns

Our safety testing has shown that price is no indicator of safety – our experts found both expensive and cheaper high chairs with both serious and minor safety failures.ÌýView our expert reviews to find the types of issues we found with things like trapping hazards, tipping risk or issues with harnesses.

Safer budget chairs

If safety is your priority and you’re on a budget, there are plenty of affordable models under $200 that score 100% in our safety tests, including:

• Kmart Prandium High Low Chair ($29)
• Kmart Anko Flat Fold High Chair ($45)
• Mocka Jenson ($170)
• 4Baby Orbit ($199)

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The post Are expensive high chairs worth the money? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

If you’ve reached the fun stage where bub is ready to try their first foods, you’ll need a high chair that’s safe, practical and easy to clean. And if you’ve started looking for one to buy, you’ll probably notice there’s an eye-watering range of options to choose from.Ìý

So how do you find the best high chair for your baby? And do you really need to spend hundreds of dollars on something that’s going to be regularly smeared with apple puree and spaghetti bolognese?Ìý

Our expert high chair testing

Our experts have done the hard work for you,Ìýtesting more than 30 high chairsÌýto help you find the best.

We look at things like safety, how easy they are to use and clean (yep, we literally smear them with baby food), how stable they are, and extra features such as if they’re adjustable or able to be converted into a toddler chair later.Ìý

We’ll show you how some of the most popular high chairs from expensive brands like Stokke and Bugaboo or budget favourites like Ikea rate against similar models.

Kmart Anko 2-in-1 high chair vs Stokke Tripp Trapp

For many people, the aesthetics of a high chair are just as important as its practicality and longevity. We are seeing more high chairs with sleek timber designs that can slot seamlessly into a modern home (particularly if you have an aversion to plastic), as well as high chairs that can be converted into toddler chairs when your bub gets a bit older.Ìý

If this design appeals to you, you may be considering the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair which is available in a huge range of colours and finishes. This chair has newborn and baby seat accessories for when your child is small (and can function as a high chair), and an adjustable seat and footrest you can use as your child grows.

We’ve reviewed the Stokke Tripp Trapp (with baby set, costing $578) in high chair mode, and it performs well, however our testers have noted some downsides in terms of ease of use, including that it’s a little fiddly to assemble.ÌýÌý

If you like the design of the Tripp Trapp but don’t have that kind of cash to splash, you may be considering Kmart’s look-alike chair, the Kmart Anko 2-in-1 high chair which we’ve also reviewed (and is also available at Target).Ìý

It’s a similar convertible-style high chair but costs just $149. It’s only available in a pale wooden finish, but at $400 less than the Tripp Trapp, this may be something you’re willing to overlook.

Overall, the Kmart chair compares favourably with the more expensive Stokke chair. It lost points in our testing due a minor safety failureÌý– the harness is not permanently attached, making it possible to remove it and forget to reinstall it (a problem that can be avoided through sensible use). However, our testers noted that the tray is easy to clean and it also has an adjustable footrest like the Stokke chair.

Based on our testing, it may be worth adding the Kmart chair to your shortlist. Check our detailed high chair reviews before you buyÌýto make sure you’re getting the best high chair for you and your child.

Is it worth buying the Bugaboo Giraffe?

Bugaboo is a brand that’s synonymous with high-end baby products with price tags to match, and theirÌýGiraffe high chair is no exception. Made from bio-based plastic and FSC-certified beechwood, it has a simple, sleek design and can also be converted into a toddler chair as your child grows.Ìý

But once you’ve purchased all the accessories needed to use the chair as a high chair, it will set you back over $600. Despite costing significantly more, it was outscored by both the Ikea Antilop and the Kmart Anko 2-in-1 high chair (and several other cheaper chairs) on overall performance and ease of use.

“Some expensive high chairs are real showpieces that can complement a modern kitchen, with striking wooden or slimline design,” says Kim Gilmour.

“However, our testing has shown that there are many similar options that are great performers that will do the job, so there’s no need to spend a fortune on this particular baby item.”Ìý

While it can definitely be worth paying more for a chair that your child will continue to use into their toddler years and beyond, ÌÇÐÄVlog has tested plenty of more affordable chairs than the Bugaboo Giraffe that meet this brief, such as theÌýKmart Anko 2-in-1 high chair mentioned above.Ìý

And if you’re just looking for a high chair to get you through the baby years, millions of parents the world over are fans of the Ikea Antilop high chair, which is praised for its simplicity and cheap price tag. Our experts have also uncovered look-alike high chairs from Anko, available in Kmart and Target that we’ve rated as even better buys.

Kmart Anko vs Ikea: Which high chair is best?

If you’re after the simple white plastic design that’s been popularised by Ikea’s Antilop high chair, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.Ìý

The Kmart Anko Prandium high chairÌý(also available in Target) is a look-alike high chair close to the same price as the Ikea Antilop (just $29 for the Prandium compared to $25 for the Antilop) but outscored the Ikea chair by more than 10 percentage points. It passed all our key safety tests and our testers noted it was very easy to assemble, easy to clean and light. Some key benefits of the Kmart chair over Ikea’s Antilop high chair are:

• The Kmart high chair has a five-point harness, which is considered to be safer than the Ikea high chair’s three-point harness (and makes it harder for your baby to clamber out of when they get to that age).Ìý
• Its legs can be lowered to convert it into a low chair.

On the other hand, the Ikea high chair has the advantage of being available in pink and blue if you like a bit of colour. Various accessories such as extra padding for a backrest are also available.Ìý

However, although our testers say it’s light, inexpensive and easy to clean, the Ikea chair lost points on safety due to its three-point harness and a minor safety failure –Ìýlike the Kmart 2-in-1 high chair,Ìýthe harness isn’t permanently attached, making it possible to remove and then forget to reinstall. However, with sensible use this problem can be avoided. Our testers also noted that the tray is extremely hard to remove.

For detailed information and scores on both of these high chairs, see our high chair reviews.

The post How do cheap high chairs from Kmart and Ikea compare with pricier buys? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Playpen safety issues
• Manufacturers and retailers respond
• What to do if you bought one of these playpens
• How we determine which products fail

The humble playpen can provide parents with some much-needed peace of mind.Ìý

Need somewhere to leave your newly mobile crawler or toddler while you do something that requires both hands? Pop them in the playpen with a toy or two and you’ll be able to supervise them while you carry on with other tasks, knowing they’ll be safe.

Unfortunately, our latest playpen reviewsÌýreveal that far from being a secure spot for your little ones, many of the products in this category pose significant risks.

Almost a third of playpens fail safety testing

“We gave several playpens a score of zero for performance simply because they had so many failures,” says Kim Gilmour, ÌÇÐÄVlog’s team leader for household products.Ìý

In fact, eight of the 25 models in our current review failed to pass ÌÇÐÄVlog’s key safety requirements – that’s almost a third, a worryingly high proportion.

Products that failed did so for a number of reasons, ranging from major head and limb entrapment risks and ingestion risks, to less serious hazards, such as sharp edges and protrusions that little ones could bump themselves on. Some could easily be opened from inside or lifted, making them less secure.

Playpen safety issues

In our most recent batch of playpens (tested in August 2023), three failed key safety requirements.Ìý

Common failures include a risk of head and/or limb entrapment in gaps and openings, strangulation risks if clothing is caught at various gaps or posts, footholds which could allow a child to escape, and inadequate structural integrity.

• Bo Peep Kids Playpen 14 Panels KD1102-12^*: Serious failures include finger and limb entrapment risks, snagging/strangulation risk, insufficient security, ingestion/inhalation hazards and potential footholds.
• Bubbli 3-in-1 Playpen BB31PLYPENA: Serious failure due to snagging/strangulation risk.
• Regalo My Play Portable Play Yard 1370 DS: Serious failure due to potential footholds.Ìý

Our detailed playpen reviews include more detailed information on why these models failed safety tests (and responses from the manufacturers), plus playpens that we do recommend as safe options.

_{*We tested the 14-panel model, but only the 16- and 18- panel models are currently available; however, they are likely to have the same issues.}

Manufacturers and retailers respond

In our most recent test, conducted in August 2023, several playpens got a performance score of 40% or under, simply because they had so many failures.Ìý

“When a product has a serious safety failure, we always contact the retailers or manufacturers to inform them and give them the opportunity to withdraw them from sale, issue a recall and respond to our findings,” says Kim.Ìý

“For the latest batch of products with serious safety failures, two of the three manufacturers didn’t respond to us. The third manufacturer, Bo Peep, doesn’t even have a listed Australian contact, so we weren’t able to contact them.”

What to do if you bought one of these playpens

If you’ve bought any of these playpens, our advice is to take it back to the retailer and ask for a refund. But because there’s no mandatory standard for playpens in Australia, you might have trouble getting your money back. That’s why ÌÇÐÄVlog is calling for stronger product safety laws.

Some manufacturers and retailers have signed up to aÌý; this might also be an avenue for a refund. Companies who’ve signed up include AliExpress, Amazon Australia, Catch.com.au, eBay Australia and MyDeal.com.au.Ìý

Before you shop, it’s a good idea to checkÌý to make sure you’re not buying an unsafe product, and of course check ourÌýplaypen reviewsÌýto see which products have passed our rigorous safety testing.Ìý

How we determine which products fail

Although there’s currently no Australian standard for playpens, our experts know what to look for when it comes to child safety.Ìý

We’ve based our test procedures on various existing Australian standards for similar children’s products such as cots, folding cots and toys. We also draw upon elements of overseas standards, including the European and American playpen standards.Ìý

Several manufacturers claim compliance to one or both of these standards, but we use our method as it’s more rigorous and thoroughly assesses the safety of playpens on the market.

Here’s more detail about how we test playpens.Ìý

The post The playpens that failed ÌÇÐÄVlog safety tests appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Our expert testers
• How we choose what we test
• How we test playpens
• Test criteria explained

Our expert testers

With more than 15 years of experience, our expert testers are the bees’ knees of children’s product testing. They’ve seen all sorts of playpen configurations on the market, and have put each type to the test. Our testers also sit on the Australian Standards committees for children’s products.

How we choose what we test

Most of the time, our priority is to test what you’ll see in stores. Our playpens typically come from brands available in mainstream nursery or department stores, or ones that feature prominently when you search for them online. We also keep discontinued models in our table, as there’s a second-hand market for them.Ìý

To come up with our product list we survey manufacturers to find out about their range of models and we take member feedback on board. Our buyers then purchase products just like a regular consumer would, either instore or online. This is to make sure the products we receive haven’t been ‘tweaked’ in any way, or received special treatment during transit.

How we test playpens

Although there’s no currently Australian standard for playpens, our experts know what to look for when it comes to child safety. We’ve based our test procedures on various existing Australian standards for similar children’s products such as cots, folding cots and toys. We also draw upon elements of overseas standards, including the European and American playpen standards. Several manufacturers claim compliance to one or both of these standards, but we test to the ÌÇÐÄVlog method.

When testing playpens the three main areas we look at are construction, effectiveness and ease of use.

Construction

We check whether the playpen has any objects that could be inhaled or ingested. We look for potential contact with sharp corners, edges and points, and whether the playpen has any projections that could hurt a child if they ran towards them at speed. We look for potential clothing entanglement hazards that could pose a strangulation risk.ÌýWe also check for structural integrity and stability (how strong the bars are).

Effectiveness

Using suitable measuring devices, our experts look for potential footholds that could cause a child to climb the enclosure and escape, or that could pose a fall risk. We also check the security of the gate (if there is one). It needs to be childproof, and automatically latch when it’s closed.Ìý

We test for limb and head entrapment risks between gaps in the bars as well as any gaps covered by velcro flaps which could be easily pulled away by a child, therefore exposing the gap. We use both Australian cot standard probes (30–50mm and 95mm) and European probes (25–45mm and 65mm) to identify entrapment risks.

Ease of use

We look at the amount of effort required to assemble and install the playpen, how easy it is to release and close the latch, and how easy it is to open and close the playpen (for an adult).

Test criteria explained

We usually recommend children’s products according to whether they pass or fail major tests (this makes up 70% of the ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating, our overall score). We also incorporate an ease of use score (30%).

Playpens that we recommend have passed all our major safety tests (scoring 80% or above for performance). Some models that are worth considering (with performance results from 60–65%) have minor failures such as finger entrapment hazards or sharp edges in hard-to-reach areas.Ìý

We test for head and limb entrapment using both European and Australian probes – if one set of probes passes this test, then we class it as a minor failure, but if both fail, then it’s a major failure.

Playpens that score under 50% for performance are not recommended because it means the playpen has not passed key safety tests. We list these failures in our ‘Bad points’ section of the playpen reviews table.

The post How we test playpens appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Our expert testers
• How we choose what we test
• How we test high chairs
• Test criteria explained

That’s where our high chair reviews can help. Our experts test high chairs to the Australian Standard, and we also use real baby food to see how hard they are to clean.

Our expert testers

With decades of experience, our expert testers are the bees’ knees of children’s product testing. They’ve seen all the brands and varying high chair configurations on the market, and have put each one to the test. Our lab is alsoÌýÌýto test high chairs against the Australian Standard.

How we choose what we test

We test a huge range of high chairs and our priority is to review what’s for sale in shops, so usually you’ll see us test big brand models from major nursery or department stores. We also try to include a couple of interesting models from smaller manufacturers during each round of testing.

We survey manufacturers to find out about their range of models and we also take member feedback on board when putting a buying list together.

Our buyers then purchase products just like a regular consumer would, either instore or online. This is to make sure the products we receive haven’t been ‘tweaked’ for better performance.

How we test high chairs

Safety is a vital part of our testing. We test each high chair against the Australian Standard for high chairs, AS 4684:2009. The standard also requires compliance with at least one of the international standards, so we refer to the European Standard EN 14988. We also rate how easy the high chairs are to clean.

Performance testing

We conduct the following checks when assessing high chairs.

• Side and rear stability test: This is to see whether the high chair will topple over.
• Construction tests: This includes the strength of the tray when a force is applied. We also check whether the locking mechanisms are secure enough to prevent a child from falling out.
• Entrapment and pinching tests: We see if there’s a finger pinching or entrapment risk when operating the high chair, and also look for gaps and/or holes that could trap a finger.
• Small parts: We look for any parts on the high chair that could be a choking hazard.
• Harness checks: We assess whether the high chair comes with a five-point harness and adequate side and back protection.

Ease of use and cleaning assessment

We apply Weetbix and milk, spaghetti and tomato sauce and baby food to different areas of the chair (the tray, seat back and padding, as well as the harness) and let it dry overnight.

We then rate ease of cleaning for each of these areas on a scale from “very easy” (residue is easily removed using a kitchen cloth) to “very hard” (needs thorough scrubbing or washing).Ìý

This is then converted to a score. High chairs with lots of cracks and crevices will typically score lower than ones that can wipe clean easily.

We also note how easy it is to assemble and operate the high chair which we’ve started including in our ease of use score (some older models may not have this score).

Reputable high chair manufacturers will have their products certified to the Australian Standard. Sometimes, after we inform them of failures, they’ll supply us with an independent report which says they’ve met the standard. Manufacturing problems or inconsistencies do arise, and we usually stand by our findings based on the product we received. In most cases companies will take our comments on board and rapidly address the problems we find.

Test criteria explained

The ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating, our overall score, is based on performance (70%) and ease of use (70%).

When rating performance, we place a large emphasis on safety and will only recommend products if they pass major safety tests. Ease of cleaning is also a consideration for high chairs.

Recommended high chairs may have some very minor failures. For instance, due to the nature of many high chair designs, most can’t meet the definition of a ‘permanently attached’ harness because they need to be removed in order for you to adjust the straps. If the high chair is fine otherwise (and has a five-point harness), it’ll still be safe to use.

Models that score 60–65% for performance may still be worth considering from a safety perspective. They may have some minor safety failures such as finger entrapment hazards in hard to reach areas, or some slightly sharp edges.

Models with a performance score of 40% and below have at least one serious failure. Perhaps the high chair has an inadequate side height, it toppled over during the stability test, or it broke during strength testing. We list these failures in the ‘Bad points’ in our test results.

Previous scoring method

In the past we recommended all high chairs that passed our key safety tests and had a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of at least 70%, regardless of whether or not they were easy to clean. However, as of 2023 we now take ease of use (ease of cleaning) into account for high chairs. If the high chair scores under 55% for the ease of cleaning component, we won’t recommend it. However, if safety is your main concern, you can still check whether a high chair passes all key safety tests.

The post How we test high chairs appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

The portable Childcare Ervo Play Dome is designed for use during “nap-time or playtime, at home or on the go”. Unless you see it in store, you may be surprised at how small it is when unfolded: the circular enclosure measures 78cm at its longest point and 72cm at its widest.Ìý

It’s not a traditional playpen enclosure and is more of a play mat/bassinet combo, designed for very small babies who can’t yet sit unaided.Ìý

And although your baby may take the odd nap in it, it’s not a replacement for a cot.

How safe is the Childcare Ervo Play Dome?

For newborns, a flat, firm surface like the Play Dome with breathable sides is definitely a safer bet than an inclined sleeper. These tilt at a dangerous angle, and have been linked to a number of fatalities in the US. Inclined sleepers can potentially restrict breathing when a baby’s head falls forward. The Childcare Ervo Play Dome is designed for babies to lie flat.

A firm mattress is crucial. Our lab experts checked the Play Dome’s padded base. It’s a folding mattress, and while it passes the mattress firmness test method, you do need to make sure it is pressed down firmly to create an even sleeping surface. The mesh sides provide breathability if your baby does fall asleep in it, but it’s not a replacement for a regular cot or bassinet.

The Play Dome also passed our strength test. If used purely for babies who can’t yet sit up unaided as per the instructions, then its 45cm depth is more than adequate. But when tested using our playpen method, it fails our depth test as it’s not tall enough to be used safely as a playpen once they start being more active. However, the product is intended as a sleep and play space for babies who can’t sit unaided and it’s far too small for any vigorous activity.

As there is no direct Australian safety standard for this type of product, we contacted the distributor, CNP Brands, who told us the product is neither a sleeping surface nor a “complete playpen”. The Play Dome was tested to particular clauses in the travel/folding cot standard, AS/NZS 2915, as this covers “playpens with floors”. It has provided us with a lab report saying it has passed these tests. (ÌÇÐÄVlog has not tested the Play Dome as a folding cot.)

How portable is the Play Dome?

The Play Dome is foldable and suitable for taking on a trip. It has a hood with UPF50+ on the main materials but does not claim to offer complete sun protection. The mesh surrounds could keep out bugs on an outdoor trip. When folded, it measures 45 x 13 x 72cm and weighs 4.1kg with the canopy. No tools are required to assemble it, although it’s tricky to operate the unlocking button. It feels light, and keeps its circular form well.

Is the Childcare Play Dome worth buying?

For most parents, this won’t be an essential piece of baby equipment. Because it can only be used when your baby is very small, then you’ll only be using it for a few months. Consider whether you’ll be going out enough times to justify the cost.Ìý

When you’re home, keeping your baby in their regular cot or bassinet while completing household chores may suit you just fine.Ìý

But every family is different, and if the Play Dome is something worth considering, be mindful that it isn’t as deep as a regular playpen and can’t be used once they can sit unaided.

The post Childcare Ervo Play Dome first look review appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Our expert testers
• How we choose what we test
• How we test change tables
• Test criteria explained
• The ÌÇÐÄVlog test lab

Our expert testers

Our expert testers Antonio Bonacruz and Matthew Tung are the bee’s knees of children’s product testing. They’ve seen all the brands and varying change table configurations on the market, and have put each one to the test. Our testers also sit on the Australian Standards committees for children’s products.

How we choose what we test

Our change tables typically come from brands you’ll see in mainstream nursery or department stores, or ones that feature prominently when you search for them online. We also choose models with different styles and price points.Ìý

To come up with our list, we survey manufacturers to find out about their range of models and we take member feedback on board. Our buyers then purchase products just like you would, either instore or online. This is to make sure that the products we get haven’t been ‘tweaked’ in any way for better performance, or received special treatment during transit.

How we test change tables

Although there is no current Australian Standard for change tables, we know what to look for when it comes to safety. We’ve also based our test procedures on various existing standards for similar children’s products such as cots. There are overseas standards to draw upon as well, including the American Standard for baby changing tables, ASTM 2388.

When testing change tables, we assess the following aspects.

Stability

200 Newtons of downward force (about 20kg) is applied to the edge of the table to see if it tilts or tips. We normally test change tables after following assembly instructions, but we also consider scenarios where consumers may not have installed them correctly.Ìý

For example, a heavy change table may require anchorage to the wall to prevent it from tipping and crushing a child. We test its stability without being anchored, just in case a parent or carer fails to do so.

Strength of construction

A 50kg mass is placed in the centre of the changing surface for 60 seconds, and we check whether there is any damage to the table, or if any locks become insecure.

Minimum depth

For a change table to be fully recommended, we require the sides to have a depth of at least 100mm after the recommended mattress is installed. It also needs to pass the roll-off test (see below).Ìý

If a change table’s sides are under 100mm but it still passes the roll-off test, it may be worth considering if it adequately meets all other requirements.

Roll-off protection

Babies need to be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times, but we still check to see if the table can adequately prevent a baby rolling or sliding from the change surface. A 15kg test cylinder is placed parallel to the barrier of the changing surface and the table is tilted sideways at a 15-degree angle. If the cylinder rolls off the barrier, the table will fail, even if its sides are higher than our required minimum depth of 100mm.

Bath

If a change table comes with a bath, we check to make sure it meets safety warning requirements.

Sharp edges and protrusions

We check for edges or points that could injure a child.

Finger and limb traps

We check for any gaps or holes that could trap a small finger or limb using a set of special probes.

Special features

Although they don’t form part of the score, we log information to help you choose the best change table for you, such as whether it has wheels, trays or storage pockets.

Test criteria explained

We rate children’s products a bit differently to other tests, due to the strong interest in safety. We rate them according to whether they pass or fail major safety tests.

Change tables that we recommend have passed all our safety tests, including the roll-off and change table depth requirements. They may have some very minor failures (usually to do with labelling) but we don’t think these are significant.

The ÌÇÐÄVlog test lab

We maintain a NATA-accredited lab that is up to date with the latest reference machines and calibrated measurement tools for our testers to bring you accurate results.

The post How we test change tables appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Our expert testers
• How we choose what we test
• How we test
• Test criteria explained

Our expert testers

With 15 years of experience, our expert testers are the bee’s knees of children’s product testing. They’ve tested all types of children’s products and are well aware of all the brands, types and features each product has to offer.

On top of this, our testers sit on the Australian Standards committee for prams and strollers, so we keep up to date with changes to the standard. Our lab is .

How we choose what we test

Our priority is to review what’s for sale in the shops, so usually you’ll see us test big brand models from major nursery or department stores. We also try to include a couple of interesting models from smaller manufacturers during each round of testing.

We keep an eye on what’s in stores and we also survey manufacturers to find out about their range of models. We also check if members have requested to have specific models tested. Once a list is put together it goes to our buyers, who go out and use your member funds to buy each product from a variety of retailers. We buy products just like you would, so we can be sure they’re the same as any consumer would find and not ‘tweaked’ in any way.

How we test

There’s no Australian standard for portable baby seats, so our tests are based on relevant clauses from the Australian standard for high chairs AS 4684, plus some tests from the standards for cots, folding cots and toys. We also refer to some clauses of the European and US standards for portable high chairs. Our testing checks whether the seat:

• anchors firmly to the chair or table
• has any head entrapment gaps or strangulation hazards
• has an adequate harness or other retention system (such as high enough sides). Floor seats (which sit on the ground) are not penalised for having side protection that is less than 170mm, as the risk of injury is far lower.

Ease of use

For ease of use we consider:

• Initial assembly.
• Setting up the portable baby seat on a chair.
• Putting on the tray as well as adjusting and removing the tray.
• Adjusting the seat height.
• Using and adjusting the harness.

Test criteria explained

When rating performance, we place a large emphasis on safety. We rate portable baby seats according to whether they pass or fail major tests and their score reflects whether we found major, minor or very minor failures.

• No failures: 100%
• Very minor failures: 80%
• One minor failure and no major failures: 65%
• Multiple minor failures but no major failures: 60%
• One major failure: 40%
• More than one major failure: 20%

Recommended

Portable baby seats that we recommend have passed all our safety tests and score 80–100%. They may have some very minor failures but we usually don’t think these are significant.

Worth considering

These pass all our key safety tests but may have some minor safety failures. These models score 60–65%.

Not recommended

These cots have not passed our key safety tests and score 40% or less.

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