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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

Possible Hazard

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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