Keeping kids safe
Choosing safe products and learning to use them safely can help keep your kids safe.
In this section
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Safe nursery
Nursery furniture can become faulty and unsafe as a result of normal wear and tear.
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Amber teething necklace
Information about the wearing of amber necklaces for teething babies.
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Baby bath aids
Baby bath aids are products like bath seats and rings that support an infant sitting in a bath. The suitability of these products changes as your child grow.
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Baby slings
Trading Standards supports the safe use of infant slings. However incorrect use can be dangerous, and one type in particular is unsafe.
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Baby walkers
Baby walkers allow a child greater mobility, and faster access to other objects, than they would normally have. This can increase the risk of an accident.
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Bibs
Bibs create a risk of suffocation, which can happen quickly with babies. Always keep an eye on your baby when he or she is wearing a bib.
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Bicycles
Bicycles are used on the road and — like cars — it's extremely important that they work properly and don't add to the dangers of the road.
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Bouncinettes
Bouncinettes are intended for very young babies. They shouldn't be used for babies who can sit up or make vigorous movements.
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Bunk beds
'Bunk bed' refers to beds that have one bed stacked over the top of another, or beds where the upper surface of a mattress is over 700 mm from the floor.
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Change tables
Babies can be injured if they fall from a change table by wriggling or rolling off.
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Children's nightwear
There are special rules for manufacturing children's nightwear, and the labels on them can help you make safer choices for your children.
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Cigarette lighters around children
Disposable lighters, and cheap refillable ones, must be child-resistant. This means only that they are harder to use, not that a child can't use them.
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Cots
Cots are a sleeping environment for children where they can be expected to be left unattended for long periods of time. They must therefore be safe.
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High chairs
A high chair is normally used by children between 6 months and 3 years of age so that they can sit and play safely and join the family at meals.
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Jump, swing and play safely
Play equipment means family fun time — it also means parents and caregivers need to know about buying safe products and using them safely.
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Noisy toys
Things that go shrill, ring, clatter or click can make fun toys for kids. But they can also be a hazard, and loud or shrill sounds can damage a child’s hearing.
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Portable cots and play yards
Portable cots and play-yards are not as sturdy as standard cots. They're designed for convenient, but not constant, use.
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Prams and strollers
Children spend a lot of time in prams and strollers. Choose a pram that it well designed and suits your needs.
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Safety barriers
Safety barriers can help keep kids safe, but they can also pose safety risks if they're poor quality or used incorrectly.
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Toy safety
Small parts of toys pose a hazard to babies and young children — they can cut, choke, poison or strangle if they are not safe, or not used safely.
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Water toys
Always supervise children in and around water, even when they're using inflatable water toys that help them stay afloat. Toys don't replace adult supervision.