Creating a safe environment for your baby is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. As babies grow and become more mobile, new hazards emerge. Here's a comprehensive guide to keeping your little one safe at every stage.
Safe Sleep Hazards
- Soft bedding: Pillows, duvets, and bumpers in the cot increase the risk of suffocation. Use only a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.
- Overheating: Keep the room at 16–20°C and avoid over-bundling. Check baby's temperature by feeling the back of their neck.
- Co-sleeping risks: Sharing a bed with a baby increases the risk of SIDS, especially if either parent smokes, has consumed alcohol, or is very tired.
Choking Hazards
- Keep small objects (coins, buttons, batteries) out of reach at all times
- Cut food into small, soft pieces when weaning
- Avoid whole grapes, nuts, and hard raw vegetables
- Check toys for small parts — look for age-appropriate labelling
Fall Prevention
- Never leave baby unattended on a raised surface — even for a second
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs from the moment baby starts moving
- Secure furniture to walls to prevent tipping
Water Safety
- Never leave baby alone in the bath — even in a baby bath seat
- Empty paddling pools immediately after use
- Keep toilet lids closed and bathroom doors shut
Burn and Scald Prevention
- Always test bath water temperature before placing baby in — aim for 37–38°C
- Keep hot drinks away from baby — a spilled cup of tea can scald up to 15 minutes after being made
- Use back burners on the hob and turn pan handles inward
Babyproofing Checklist
- ✅ Outlet covers on all accessible sockets
- ✅ Cabinet locks on cupboards containing cleaning products or sharp items
- ✅ Corner guards on sharp furniture edges
- ✅ Safety gates fitted at stairs
- ✅ Blind cords tied up or cut — these are a strangulation hazard
- ✅ Houseplants checked — many are toxic if ingested