World-first infant sleep testing standards released in Australia – a global wake-up call for safer baby products

Australia has on 27th June 2025, released the world’s first dedicated infant sleep surface testing standards — offering a breakthrough in how baby products can be scientifically

assessed for safety and sparking a global conversation around product

transparency, trust, and safer sleep.

These new standards are not yet mandatory, but they provide, for the first time, a

validated, consistent methodology for testing the firmness of baby sleep products —

including mattresses, loungers, and sleep positioners. Developed by Standards

Australia with support from organisations including INPAA, Red Nose, River’s Gift,

and others, the new standard sets a strong precedent for future regulation and

international adoption.

“This isn’t about scaring parents — it’s about giving them more clarity and

confidence,” said Kellee Eriksson, INPAA Safety Ambassador, “If a manufacturer

truly believes their baby sleep product is safe, they should be eager to test it. These

new standards are an opportunity — not a threat — and responsible brands should

be embracing them voluntarily.”

What has changed?

The newly released AS5407.1 and AS5407.2 standards introduce a reliable,

repeatable method for testing sleep surface firmness — an essential factor in

reducing the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) and sudden infant

death syndrome (SIDS). Firm sleep surfaces help protect babies by keeping airways

open and preventing dangerous sinking or suffocation.

Until now, there has been no consistent testing approach for many products

marketed for baby sleep — especially soft loungers and positioners. These new

methods fill that gap, providing both labs and manufacturers with a way to back up

safety claims with real data.

For parents: clarity without fear

These new standards aren’t here to alarm families — they’re here to empower them.

Parents can now start asking a new question when choosing products:

“Has this product been tested using the new firmness standard?”

If the answer is no — or unclear — it’s reasonable to ask why not.

“Parents don’t need panic,” said Eriksson “They need proof. These standards allow

families to feel more confident in what they’re buying — and start holding brands to

higher standards of safety and transparency.”

For manufacturers: an opportunity — and a test of intent

These voluntary standards offer a clear opportunity for brands to prove their products

are safe. While not legally required, integrating these tests into product development

cycles is now the obvious next step for responsible manufacturers.

“We’re not here to condemn brands that haven’t tested,” Eriksson said. “Until now,

they simply couldn’t. But now that the tools exist, we expect ethical brands to act.

Why wouldn’t they — unless they’re worried their product won’t pass?”

Voluntarily adopting the standard shows a brand is committed to infant safety and is

transparent about product development. It also helps earn long-term consumer trust.

“Safe brands will keep making safe products,” she continued. “What this really does

is shine a light on those who aren’t prioritising safety.”

"This separates marketing from real safety"

“These new standards are a game-changer for infant safety — and there’s no reason

for brands to wait,” said Tim Wain, CEO of the Infant and Nursery Products Alliance

of Australia (INPAA).

“Many Australian suppliers have already redesigned their products and are adopting

the standards voluntarily. But there’s still an influx of cheap, untested baby sleep

products being sold online — especially positioners — and that needs to stop.

And to parents: be cautious of the word ‘breathable’ on packaging. It sounds

reassuring, but without testing, it can hide real danger. That’s why the upcoming

CO₂ standards are so important — they’ll finally separate marketing claims from

proven safety.”

Australia leads, but the conversation is global

Australia first introduced a mattress firmness standard in 2013. This updated,

expanded methodology marks the next phase of global leadership in infant product

safety.

“Other countries should be watching closely,” said Wain. “This is how change begins:

with a voluntary standard, then momentum, and eventually regulation. We owe it to

parents — and to babies — to support progress wherever it starts.”

Media contacts

Kellee Eriksson

INPAA Safety Ambassador and Founder Little Human Linens

+61 418 865 511

Tim Wain

CEO, Infant and Nursery Products Alliance of Australia

Based in Melbourne, Australia

tim@inpaa.com.au

WhatsApp: +61 4 1111 1157.