Baby safety equipment

Here are a few ideas on what baby safety equipment to look for when setting up your baby’s room and the toys they play with.

Baby’s Change Table

• Ensure the surface you are changing your baby on is stable and secure.
• The mat should have raised sides of at least 10cm to prevent your baby from rolling.
• Make sure sharp objects are not within easy reach of your baby.
• Ensure the mat is not near any power outlets, and that your baby cannot easily reach any electrical equipment.
• Ensure your baby cannot become entangled in any curtain or blind cords.
• Never leave your baby alone on a change table or raised surface for any length of time. Serious injury could result from a fall. Also do not leave your toddler alone with your baby while they are on a high surface as they may accidentally pull or push them off.

Baby’s Cot

• All new cots have to comply with the Australian Safety Standard (AS/Nzs 2172). (Check the Safety Standard in your own country)
• There should be a minimum of 600mm from the base of the mattress to the top of the cot.
• The space between the bars should be 50mm-85mm. The space between the cot sides and the mattress should not be more than 25mm.
• Be aware of holes/spaces where your baby’s arms, legs, head and fingers could become trapped.
• Try to choose a cot that has no more than two legs with castors.
• Look for fixed-base cots with the lowest possible base. If it has an adjustable base, change it to the lowest base setting as soon as your baby can sit up.

              

Portable Rocker or Bouncer

• Ensure the base is wide and sturdy to prevent it from tipping over.
• Ensure the rocker/bouncer has a “five point” safety harness and use it at all times.
• A rocker is designed for use at floor level and not on bench tops in the kitchen.
• Check the area for any potential hazards nearby, like scissors, knives, blind chords and electrical appliances. And of course the golden rule, Supervise.

Toy Box

• As attractive as some fully enclosed toy boxes are, it’s better to have a toy box without a lid. Lids have been involved in causing serious injury to small children.
• If you do have a toy box with a lid ensure that it can be opened from the inside. For extra safety, place rubber stoppers that allow a gap to remain when the lid is closed to prevent fingers from being crushed. Also fit a safety hinge that keeps the lid open and only allows it to close slowly.
• Create some air holes in the box, just in case your toddler manages to climb into the box.

Baby Walkers

• Baby walkers are a common cause of injury to babies. This is because it allows your baby to reach and move more quickly and beyond their capabilities.
• If you do use a baby walker ensure you supervise your baby at all times.
• Do not allow the walker near stairs, in the kitchen, near fires or heaters.
• Regularly check the braking system to make sure it is working properly.

Baby’s High Chair

• Use a 5-point safety harness while your baby is sitting in the chair and don’t leave them unsupervised.
• Use the harness from the first time baby sits in the high chair and set the ground rules early. You may find you’re too late once they learn that they can stand up and escape.
• Make sure that wheels can be locked and that the base is wide and stable.
• Don’t place the high chair too close to bench tops or tables otherwise little fingers will try to grab anything in reach.

Toy Safety

• Only allow toys that are appropriate for your child’s age.
• When opening new toys, remove and throw away all the packaging and check for any small parts that could be swallowed. A general guide is if it can fit into a film canister then it is too little for a baby or toddler to play with.
• All your craft items including glue, paints, textas and crayons should be non-toxic.
• Don’t mix batteries – change them all at the same time, otherwise the strong batteries will make the weak ones very hot.
• Regularly check toys for any damage or loose parts.
Remove these from the toy box and place in the pile (that is huge) with all the other things that you intend to fix, sew and make.
• The Australian government provides information concerning product recalls, Including toys and other child related products, on its Product Recalls Australia website. It’s worthwhile making a regular check on this site for news on baby safety equipment. (Also check in other national regulatory bodies website for product recalls in your area).

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