At least two children trapped in fold-away cots in Pirkanmaa region

At least two children have become trapped in fold-away cots at daycare centres in Finland’s Pirkanmaa region within the past year, according to a report by national broadcaster Yle.

The incidents occurred in Ylöjärvi during summer and in Tampere in autumn. In both cases, a child was inside the cot when it was closed. Neither child suffered serious injuries.

In the Tampere case, first reported by local newspaper Aamulehti, the child could not be freed immediately, and an ambulance was called. A doctor examined the child, but no further medical treatment was required. Following the Ylöjärvi incident, reported by Iltalehti, the child was taken to a doctor after the daycare day.

Elli Rasimus, director of early childhood education in Tampere, told Yle that no such accidents had occurred in the city during her career. The condition of the cots in Tampere has since been inspected, and staff have reviewed sleeping routines. Guidelines were reiterated again after a severe incident in Vantaa this week, where a child was crushed between a fold-away cot and a wall, requiring hospitalisation.

Finland’s Accident Investigation Board (Otkes) has issued a hazard warning about fold-away cots to the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) and the Permit and Supervision Authority (LVV), citing serious safety risks for small children.