Thinking about your babys safety - Young Pregnant & Parenting

The important bits

• The world can be a dangerous place for a small child.

• We cannot do everything to prevent children from having accidents, but there are a few things we can do to make the risks as small as possible.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

• try not to smoke during pregnancy

• always keep the baby in a smoke-free enviroment

• put the baby to sleep on its back

• do not overheat the baby and do not use cot bumpers

• do not cover the baby's head and face during sleep.

Making your home safe

• heaters, doors and stairs can be make safe with little gates

• any water can be dangerous, even a nappy bucket. Hot water in the house should not be hotter than 55C. Tap knobs can be covered with cut plastic bottles and wading pools should be emptied after use.

• the stove is dangerous. Fit a stove guard and always keep pot handles out of reach.

• power points should have special covers.

• do not use baby walkers.

• any equipment like toys, cots and pushers should be safe. Buying new or expensive things does not necessarily prevent you from buying unsafe things. Equipment should be have a tag that says that it is up to Australian standards. Use your own common sense to check things out and find out about safety standards and if they have been followed.

• poisons (Cleaners, bleach, detergents) should be put away in a locked cupboard.

• in cars always use proper child seats.

• keep your child out of the sun or protected with a hat, clothing and sunblock.

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