Baby Equipment (0-12 Months): Safety

Cots and Cribs Safety

Look for a cot or crib that has British Safety Standards certification.
The slats on the crib should be no more than 6.5cm apart to prevent the baby’s head from slipping through.
Avoid using pillows, quilts, duvets or soft toys in a cot or crib as they can lead to suffocation.
Always ensure that the baby’s head remains uncovered during sleep to prevent overheating.
Use a firm mattress that fits the cot or crib snugly to avoid gaps where the baby could get trapped.
Lower the cot sides when the baby starts to pull themselves up to prevent them from climbing over and hurting themselves.

Bath Equipment Safety

Never leave the baby unattended in a bath even for a second. Always keep one hand on the baby while bathing them.
Use a thermostat or a bath thermometer to ensure the water temperature is around 37-38 degrees Celsius, which is around body temperature.
Make sure there are no sharp edges on the bath that the baby could hurt themselves on.

Changing Table Safety

Choose a changing table with a safety strap and always use it when changing the baby’s nappy.
Keep everything you need—like nappies, wipes, cream—within reach, but out of the baby’s reach.
Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table. They can roll off faster than you might expect.

Car Seat Safety

Car seats should be rear-facing and in the back seat until the baby is at least 15 months old.
The car seat should be correctly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ensure that the seat belt or the Isofix system is correctly securing the car seat.
Harness straps should be snug and low on the baby’s shoulders.

Play Equipment Safety

Toys should be age-appropriate and not have small parts a baby could choke on.
Keep toys and play equipment clean as babies often put them in their mouths.
Check play equipment for any sharp points or edges.
Always supervise the baby when they are using play equipment.