
Your baby will depend on you to look after and keep him or her safe from harm.Your baby will have no sense of danger or risk, so it is important that you become aware of situations which could be dangerous or harmful. Your baby may learn to do things before you are even aware of it. Think about how your baby spends his or her day and what will help to keep him or her safe and well.
In the Home
Your baby will probably spend most of his/her time at home so look around each room for any likely hazards. Accidents can often be prevented by checking around your home regularly for things which your baby might try to explore when you are not looking!!
Possible Hazard | Solution |
Steps or stairs or surfaces which baby could climb and fall from | - Get stair gates and secure to block stairs both top and bottom.
- Always stay very close to your baby if he or she is climbing on or near to steps or stairs.
- Do not place your baby’s bouncer/seat on a raised surface.
- Even young babies can wriggle so do not leave your baby unattended on a bed, couch or other raised surface
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Cables/loose carpet or other items you could trip on when carrying the baby | - Re-route cables and secure mats or carpets,
- Try to keep the floors of the living area tidy
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Using a changing unit or raised surface for nappy changing | - Never leave the baby alone even for a few seconds. Remember that a baby can wriggle or roll quite early.
- If you are at all nervous consider using the floor instead.
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Baby pillows and duvets | - Pillows and duvets should not be used for babies under one.
- A few thin blankets are best and can be layered depending on the temperature.
- Always place your baby to sleep on his/her back with the feet near to the end of the cot. Tuck the blankets below the shoulders.
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Bathing | - Always put cold water in the bath first to reduce the risk of scalding
- Never leave the baby unattended in the bath or in the care of a young child.
- If you are nervous about bathing your baby in the early days, ask a relative or friend to help.
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Fire | - Always use a fire guard even for gas or electric fires
- Make sure to have working smoke alarms fitted and check batteries.
- Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of small children.
- Do not place lit candles anywhere that a baby could reach or knock them over.
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Smoking | - Don’t smoke around your baby or let anyone else do so.
- Don’t smoke in bed
- Make sure to put cigarettes out carefully.
- Keep cigarettes and tobacco out of sight and reach of children as if eaten they can be extremely harmful to a baby.
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Burns/Scalds | - Do not hold a hot drink when you are holding your baby.
- Be careful where you place hot drinks in case they fall on the baby or he/she pulls it over.
- Keep your baby out of the kitchen or away from the cooking area while you are preparing or handling hot food.
- Make sure that no cables or flexes from kettles or cooking equipment hang down where your baby can pull them
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Safety Out and About
Anytime you take your baby outside, it is important to think about safety in advance so that you can be prepared. Where are you going to, are you likely to change your plans while you are out? Take some time to plan ahead and you will be able to bring all that you might need for a day out or night away
Possible Hazard | Solution |
Buggies/Strollers | - Make sure that the buggy or stroller that you buy or borrow is suitable for your baby’s age and weight.
- Make sure that you properly adjust and fasten the harness which should be a five point one (both shoulders, each side of waist and between the legs).
- Do not hang heavy bags from the handles of the buggy in case it overturns.
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In the car | - Do make sure that you use a proper car seat for your baby’s weight every-time he/she is in the car.
- Only use a rear facing baby seat in the front of the car if there is no airbag on the passenger side.
- Never leave your baby unattended in the car
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Baby Slings | - Make sure the sling is suitable for your baby’s size and weight
- Ensure that it is fastened properly and that you can get the baby in and out by yourself.
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In the sun | - Younger babies should be kept out of the sun when at all possible
- If out in the sun always use a total sun block for your baby
- Always use a sun hat for your baby that covers the head and back of neck.
- Buggies can be fitted with a parasol or sun shade to protect your baby
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