thisplace.com.au - Kidsafe Baby Guide

Setting up a kidsafe nursery

Plan ahead, a safe cot, the right stroller or pram and other everyday nursery needs chosen with safety in mind can help prevent distressing injuries later.

What to look for in a cot
Cots must meet Australian Standards in order to be sold. The Australian Standard for household cots (AS/NZ2172) includes basic safety designs features, such as safe gaps between cot bars (50-85mm) and a distance from the top of the mattress to the top of the cot sides of at least 500mm. Other important cot features to look for include:

Locking devices that are secure and easy to use for an adult but not a child.
A firm mattress that fits snugly all the way around (no gaps wider than the width of your index finger).
No knobs or protrusions on which clothing could get caught.

Safe use

Don't let ribbons or cords hang into or near the cot and keep mobiles out of reach.
When it comes to bedding and crib toys, less is best. Remove large toys, pillows and bumpers that a young baby could turn their face into and not be able to breathe, or that an older infant could use to stand on or climb out of the cot. Place baby on their back for sleeping to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Position the cot away from windows and heaters. Check and maintain it regularly.

Change Tables

Babies generally roll to he side and fall off, often when a parent has turned away to get something. Injuries occur in babies as young as three months.

What to look for when buying a change table

A hollow shape deep enough to stop baby rolling off or an easy-to-use restraint, or both.
Strong, stable construction. For folding tables, a mechanism to stop the device from collapsing.
Models which have built in storage to hold items you need to reach when changing baby's nappy.

Safe Use

On flat tables especially, use the restraining strap every time.
Keep everything you need close at hand. Never leave a baby on the change table, if you need to turn away, keep one hand on baby. If you must leave, take baby with you.
As an alternative, consider changing baby on a changing mat on the floor.

High Chairs

Commonly, children are injured in falls after they stand up or attempt to climb out of or into the chair.

What to look for when buying a high chair:

An easy-to-use, five point harness (shoulders, waist, through the legs). Strong, stable construction. If there are wheels, look for effective, easy-to-use wheel locks.
Consider a model with adjustable height and use the lowest setting.

Safe Use:

Use the harness every time. Supervise children when they are in the high chair.

Source: Kidsafe Baby Guide