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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what you would do about a dangerous cot?

66 replies

PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:20

I bought a cot online from a very large, international company. (Don't want to name names but I'm sure you can guess)

The cot seemed sturdy, however the way the base attaches to the main frame is via some metal L shaped rods, this gives some movement to the base but as it was built correctly and seemed solid, I didn't think much to it.

Yesterday, when my 1 year old was napping in the cot, the right hand side of the base collapsed, my daughter then rolled (as the base was now at a steep angle on one side) and her face became wedged under the bottom rail. She has a bruised forehead, cheek and chin, and a fairly deep (bleeding) scratch on her arm where it's either caught the door to the side of the cot, or on the untreated wood on the underside of the cots side bar.

I have reported this, with photos and videos to the company. They have been swift to reply and have refunded the cost of the cot and have said they will organise a collection. They have said they are investigating and will let me know at the end of the week what they conclude. The agent also said they have sent my daughter a present as a sign of goodwill that will arrive Thursday. No idea what it is.

Anyway, my question is, would you be happy enough with this response? I've never had to complain about anything serious before, especially not where a child was hurt. I'm not sure if I should be expecting a more robust response, whether their good will gesture is fitting enough or if I'm just being a precious mum in thinking maybe it's not good enough?

Happy to hear your opinions! I'd just like to add I hope I don't seem grabby, I'll not be sending in sad faced pics of me and the child to the sun newspaper 😂 I just feel so sad for my little girl, she was really startled and upset last night when it happened

OP posts:
Sirzy · 09/08/2022 18:22

They have acted promptly and are looking into what has happened to stop it happening again hopefully. That with the refund I would be happy.

Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:22

I'd just like to add, the gap between the bottom rail and the top of the mattress once it collapsed was about 8-9 inches and enough for a child's head to be wedged in, luckily I was there when this happened but I feel sick to think what could have occurred if this had happened in the middle of the night and I'd maybe not heard it? The gap is just the right size to potentially cause breathing obstruction if her head had gone the whole way through (didn't, because it was against the wall thankfully)

OP posts:
Beees · 09/08/2022 18:22

Realistically ask yourself what more do you want? To be honest they sound like they have been very proactive and quick to sort the issue out plus the gift is a lovely touch. I'd be very impressed at the response.

courtrai · 09/08/2022 18:24

Beees · 09/08/2022 18:22

Realistically ask yourself what more do you want? To be honest they sound like they have been very proactive and quick to sort the issue out plus the gift is a lovely touch. I'd be very impressed at the response.

I think the OP is more concerned that this is a fault affecting more cots than her own and babies could be at risk

Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:24

I was wondering if they would pull the item from being listed until they have concluded their investigation? As I say, we were lucky I was there in the room with her. If it happened to someone else and they weren't in the room I shudder to think. The item is still currently listed on the website.

OP posts:
HappyHamsters · 09/08/2022 18:25

The only other thing I would ask for is a replacement, obviously not the same model if there is a fault. A travel cot might be useful too as a standby. I would also personally report it to trading standards. Hope dd is ok, how frightening poor little thing, did you take her to see a doctor.

Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:25

@courtrai yes this!

I feel as though I might have some responsibility in trying to push them to take the item off their site until they can do more safety testing? Or is it not my place to push it? Are they already doing as much as they should be? I really can't decide.

OP posts:
dontwanttooverreact · 09/08/2022 18:26

I would think they need to test some other cots from the same line and decide whether to recall the item

Onandupw · 09/08/2022 18:26

I’d report to trading standards

HappyHamsters · 09/08/2022 18:27

If its still listed i would write a review for the cot

Beees · 09/08/2022 18:28

dontwanttooverreact · 09/08/2022 18:26

I would think they need to test some other cots from the same line and decide whether to recall the item

Me too, surely this is what they are currently doing during their investigation. It could be a one off or an issue affecting all the cots but without testing they won't know. They can't just issue a recall without knowing for sure.

Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:28

HappyHamsters · 09/08/2022 18:25

The only other thing I would ask for is a replacement, obviously not the same model if there is a fault. A travel cot might be useful too as a standby. I would also personally report it to trading standards. Hope dd is ok, how frightening poor little thing, did you take her to see a doctor.

Thank you!

Yes she saw the GP this morning, he advised me to keep an eye on her, make sure she's not more drowsy or upset than usual, look out for longer naps and so on. He was very good with her. She's a little clingy but thankfully I've not noticed and lethargy and she's not been sick. It's her first birthday tomorrow, poor wee thing!

OP posts:
FictionalCharacter · 09/08/2022 18:31

I’m sure they will be investigating and will do a recall of that model if need be. I’d definitely tell your local Trading Standards office too because it’s a safety issue. But as a customer no, none of it is your responsibility, you’ve told the supplier and they’ve told you they will do something about it.

courtrai · 09/08/2022 18:32

They've said they will forward their findings you by end of the week. I'd pass that to your local trading standards and ask them to confirm receipt. Realistically I think that's the most you can do

SleepingStandingUp · 09/08/2022 18:34

They aren't going to pull a line every time a parent breaks a product. Which until it's been investigated, is all it might be to them.

I'd give them time to investigate it and then follow up.

Hope your little one enjoys her birthday

Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:35

I'll upload a link in a moment with images so you guys can maybe take a look and better understand what I mean, and maybe see why I'm concerned a baby could easily suffocate if their neck was between the side bar and the mattress

OP posts:
Sunnyqueen · 09/08/2022 18:36

The fact that it's still available to buy isn't great, I would pull them up on that.

Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:36

SleepingStandingUp · 09/08/2022 18:34

They aren't going to pull a line every time a parent breaks a product. Which until it's been investigated, is all it might be to them.

I'd give them time to investigate it and then follow up.

Hope your little one enjoys her birthday

I didn't break it! I know it's the first conclusion to jump to, I'd probably wonder the same but after beating myself up about it already I'm entirely sure it wasn't due to incorrect assembly or misuse. The baby is small for her age, she's also two years under their maximum age range for the cot too, so I can't see it being due to her size or anything similar.

OP posts:
LadyEloise1 · 09/08/2022 18:38

I think letting trading standards know is important.

SleepingStandingUp · 09/08/2022 18:39

PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:36

I didn't break it! I know it's the first conclusion to jump to, I'd probably wonder the same but after beating myself up about it already I'm entirely sure it wasn't due to incorrect assembly or misuse. The baby is small for her age, she's also two years under their maximum age range for the cot too, so I can't see it being due to her size or anything similar.

Show quote history

No op I wasn't blaming you, sorry. I mean just that until THEY look at it, they don't know that and therefore are unlikely to pul la whole line and start trying to pull back stock etc.

Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:42

Ok here are the links, maybe you can tell me I'm being overly precious worrying a baby could be seriously hurt. I think I'm still just on edge after the worry last night. My hand is in the second picture just to give an idea of the gap, with the baby mattress on, it's still a gap of around 5-6 inches.

(Sorry they are links and not posted here, I just wanted to be able to delete them in case it's not allowed because the product is being investigated, I've no idea on the legality of it all, apologies)

ibb.co/Qbf1W10

ibb.co/JkGgDyK

OP posts:
2bazookas · 09/08/2022 18:44

What "more robust response" would satisfy you? Ambulance at the door? Private trauma counsellor?

dontwanttooverreact · 09/08/2022 18:46

I agree write a product review. Great cot colour

Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:47

@SleepingStandingUp

I understand! Thanks for you input, I get what you're saying now, you're right it makes sense. I'm just still a bit shaken after she was hurt and probably not being very rational 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/08/2022 18:47

2bazookas · 09/08/2022 18:44

What "more robust response" would satisfy you? Ambulance at the door? Private trauma counsellor?

...no?

OP posts: