Is Your Baby Equipment Safe?
Whether you're buying brand new or using second-hand baby equipment, you should always have baby's safety in mind. And remember that the price does not always guarantee the quality.
- Check if there have been any recalls on those items.
- Remove and discard all plastic wrapping materials, foam, staples and ties. A child can suffocate or choke on these things.
- Follow the instructions provided with the equipment when putting it up. Don't use the product if you cannot set it up as described in the instructions.
- Don't forget to follow the instructions while using it, too - always use all restraining straps provided.
- From time to time check all of your baby's stuff and look for warning signs such as holes, tears or weak spots and loose parts, broken pieces or sharp edges. Discard anything that can harm your baby.
- Under any circumstances don't leave your child without an adult supervision.
Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets:
- Choose a sturdy crib, cradle or a bassinet.
- Make sure it's built with screws and bolts (not with hooks and clamps), and that they are securely tightened.
- Choose a firm flat mattress that fits snugly (the mattress is too small if you can fit more than two fingers between the
mattress and the side of the crib).
- Don't put loose bedding materials or any other soft objects such as pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals... that could suffocate your baby or that could be used as stairs for climbing out.
- Always lock the side rail in its raised position when you put your baby in the crib.
- Place the mattress to its lowest position as soon as your child begins to push up on hands and knees.
Playpens or Travel Cribs:
- Choose a playpen or a travel crib with a sturdy floor with a thin foam pad that fits snugly. Never add a second pad.
- Don't put loose bedding materials or any other soft objects such as pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals... that could suffocate your baby or that could be used as stairs for climbing out.
Strollers:
- Choose a sturdy stroller.
- Never carry another baby or a child in a single stroller.
- Don't hang anything on the stroller's handlebar (you don't want your stroller to tip over).
- Choose strollers with the abdominal and shoulder strap belt.
- Use stroller’s brakes whenever you stop the stroller.
- Choose strollers with the 5-point harness system (straps over the child's shoulders, waist and between the legs).
Slings and carriers:
- Choose the right size for your baby’s age, weight and height.
- Check your baby often - you should always be able to see her face.
- Avoid overdressing and overheating the baby.
- Choose a sling or carrier with safety straps and always use them.
- Make sure your baby cannot slip through the leg openings.
High Chairs:
- Choose a high chair with a wide sturdy base.
- Choose a high chair with the 5-point harness system (straps over the child's shoulders, waist and between the legs).
Pacifiers:
- Don’t tie a pacifier to a crib or around your baby’s neck.
Clothes:
- Avoid clothes with buttons, ribbons and any decorative items or make sure they won’t come off easily.
Car Seats:
- Choose the right size for your baby’s age, weight and height.
- Check the car seat label for the date of manufacture and the
expiry date.
- Make sure that the car seat hasn't been involved in a
car crash accident or dropped from a height of 3 feet (one meter) or more.
- Choose a car seat with the 5-point harness system (straps over the child's shoulders, waist and between the legs).
Toys:
- Purchase age appropriate toys.
- Look for sturdy, well-made toys.
- Only adults should install and change batteries.
- Use latex balloons only for decoration, not for play.
Baby Walkers:
- Think about alternatives, such as parent-assisted baby walkers or immobile play centers.
Remember that all safety guidelines change over the time, so older products, even if they are in good condition, may not meet current safety standards and don’t have these new warning labels.
