The NSW Government has ordered a review into the safety of baby hammocks following two reported fatalities in the United States which were linked to an Australian product.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said the Amby Baby Hammock has been recalled in the US and Canada and was currently being investigated by NSW Fair Trading.

“While there have been no reported fatalities or injuries in Australia from the use of baby hammocks, it is vital their safety is properly assessed,” Ms Judge said.

“I want parents to be confident in the safety of products being sold in New South Wales.

“If there’s any chance baby hammocks could pose potential safety hazards I want to know about it.”

She said the Amby baby hammock is:

• sold by Queensland based company, Amby Baby Hammock Pty Ltd
• a small fabric hammock which is suspended by a large spring and metal crossbar to a free standing steel frame
• designed used for babies up to nine months old suffering from colic, reflux or restlessness
• more than 50,000 hammocks have been sold worldwide including 25,000 in Australia
• used widely in hospitals, child care centres and in homes and
• one of several baby hammocks available in the marketplace.

Ms Judge said the safety of the Amby hammock had not been fully investigated and doubts had been expressed over the product’s contribution to the fatalities in the US.

“Fair Trading is currently carrying out an investigation into the safety of the Amby Baby Hammock,” she said.

“I have also asked the Product Safety Committee to review all baby hammocks that are currently being sold in New South Wales.

“The committee will consider all the evidence available, including public submissions, to determine if baby hammocks present unacceptable safety hazards.

“If at any stage, investigations show baby hammocks are dangerous I will look at introducing an interim ban.”

The Products Safety Committee is made up of product safety experts from business, medical, consumer and government backgrounds.

Ms Judge said consumers can have their say on baby hammocks by writing to: The Executive Officer, Products Safety Committee, PO Box 972, Parramatta, NSW, 2150.

Every submission will be considered carefully before a final decision is made. Submissions close on Friday 26 March 2010.

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