Safe baby furniture checklist

Choosing safe baby furniture

There are several things you can do to choose safe baby furniture:

Check with the Department of Consumer Affairs or the Department of Fair Trading in your state or territory for the latest information about child and baby safety. You can also check with Product Safety Australia.
Look at the Product Safety Australia – Keeping baby safe booklet.
Buy, rent or accept equipment that meets Australian Standards (AS) or Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS). This shows the product has been manufactured according to sound quality standards and, where necessary, that it complies with compulsory Australian safety standards. You can look for the Standards label or check with the manufacturer or retailer.
Note that there are no Australian/New Zealand Standards for a lot of baby equipment. In these cases, you could check whether the equipment meets European or US Standards.
Go to Red Nose for advice on beds and cots.

After choosing and buying safe baby furniture or equipment, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up and use the furniture safely. And you’ll still need to supervise your child to make sure they don’t come up with creative and perhaps unsafe ways to use the baby furniture!

Safe second-hand baby furniture

Friends and relatives might offer you their old baby furniture or you might find some second-hand baby furniture on the internet. It’s important for your child’s safety to check the furniture before you buy, borrow or accept it.

In general, the furniture needs to be solid and stable. Any brakes or locking devices should be in good working order. There should be no rough surfaces, sharp edges, paint chips or parts that stick out, like screws.

The furniture should also meet AS or AS/NZ standards and come with full instructions so you can set it up and use it properly.

Be careful when buying second-hand furniture on the internet. It can be hard to check the safety of an older product if you can’t physically see, handle or test it.

Baby cots and mattresses

These tips can help you choose a safe baby cot and baby mattress:

Check that the cot meets the Australian/NZ Standard AS/NZS 2172. Look for the Standards label or check with the manufacturer or retailer.
Make sure the cot has no horizontal bars or footholds that your child can use to climb out.
Check the locking devices and stability of the cot before you use it, especially if it’s second hand.
Check that the mattress is firm and fits snugly into the cot.

Use a tape measure to check the following spaces in the cot:

Between the bars – this space should be 50-95 mm. Gaps wider than 95 mm could trap your child’s head or let your child fall out of the cot.
Between the base and the top of the cot – this should be at least 600 mm. It’s important for preventing falls once your child can stand up.
Between the mattress and the sides and ends of the cot – this should be no more than 20 mm. Gaps wider than 20 mm could trap your child’s head, arms or legs.

Once you’ve bought and are using the cot:

Don’t make any alterations to the cot.
Don’t use pillows, doonas, cot bumpers and cot restraints. These can be suffocation risks.

Portable cots

Portable cots – or portacots – are meant only for short-term use.

These tips can help you choose a safe portable cot:

Check that the portable cot meets the Australian/NZ Standard AS/NZS 2195. Look for the Standards label, check the manufacturer’s instructions booklet, or ask the retailer.
Check that the portable cot has a firm mattress that touches the cot on every side and fits snugly.
Check that the cot is at least 500 mm deep from the top of the mattress. Also check that there are no footholds, so your child can’t climb out.
Make sure the cot has locking devices on the frame with clear locked positions. The locking devices should be designed so your child can’t unlock them.

The inside of all folding or portable cots must have permanent and clear labels with:

instructions for assembly and locking procedures
a warning to check that the cot is correctly assembled and fully locked into place before each use
either a warning to use only a mattress of specified dimensions or a warning to use only the mattress supplied with the product
a warning not to add an extra mattress.

Before you put your child into a portable cot, check that it’s properly locked together and stable. This is especially important if you’re using a second-hand portable cot.

Never make any alterations to portable cots.

Highchairs

These tips can help you choose a safe highchair:

Check that the highchair meets the Australian Standard AS 4684, especially if you’re buying a new highchair. Look for the Standards label or check with the manufacturer or retailer.
Look for a highchair that’s sturdy and stable with a 5-point body harness – that is, a harness with straps that go over the shoulders and hips and between the legs.
If the highchair has wheels, make sure the wheels can be locked.
If the highchair folds, make sure it can be locked firmly into position.
If you’re using a chair that hooks onto the back of an adult chair, make sure it’s slip-resistant and that the seat is level.
Look for a simple design – it’ll be easier to clean and there’s also less chance of small fingers getting caught.

Using a highchair safely

Always strap your child into the 5-point harness in highchairs so your child can’t fall out.
Keep the chair away from walls and cupboards so your child can’t push away and tip the chair over.
Keep the chair away from other hazards like curtain and blind cords, windows and electrical appliances.
Always help your child climb into and out of the chair.
Hang portable chairs from sturdy low tables that won’t tip.
Supervise your child when they’re in a highchair. That’s because your child has access to everything within reach on the table.

Change tables

There’s no Australian Standard for change tables, so it’s important to look carefully at the safety features of any change tables you’re interested in.

If you choose to use a change table, these tips can help you choose one that’s safe:

Make sure that the table has raised sides that are at least 100 mm higher than the changing surface.
Make sure there are no gaps or spaces at the top of the table.
Check that the table is stable and has secure locks.
Look for a table with a child safety harness if possible.
Look for a table that’s a good height for you, so you’re not bending uncomfortably.

Using a change table safely
At home, it’s safest to change your child on a mat on the floor, so they can’t fall.

If you do use a table, these tips can help keep your child safe:

Make sure all the clothes, wipes, nappies and other gear you need are within arm’s reach before you lay your child on the change table.
Stay with your child while they’re on the table. Always keep a hand on your child to stop them from wriggling off.
Teach older children to keep off the change table.
Make sure you don’t overload the side pouches.

Safety gates and barriers

There’s no Australian Standard for safety gates, so it’s important to look carefully at the safety features of any safety gates you’re interested in.

Choosing safe and practical safety gates

Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels to ensure you have the right gate for your needs.
Note that gates that open are safer and more practical than barriers you have to step over.
Look for a model that you can open with a foot pedal. You should need to use reasonable force to open the gate, or the gate should need at least 2 separate actions to open it.
Check that the spaces between bars in the gate are 50-95 mm wide. If they’re any wider, your child’s head could get trapped.
Check that the gate has no crossbars or mesh that your child could use to climb over. It should also have no sharp edges and no detachable small parts that could pose a choking risk.
Check that the size of the opening to be gated is within the recommended dimensions for your preferred model. Many gates have extensions you can use for larger openings.
Note that models you can adjust without needing a spanner are more convenient. They’re safe as long as the nuts are done up tightly.

Using safety gates on stairs

Use a safety gate on stairs with more than 3 steps.
Check that the gate you’re interested in is intended for stair use and can be securely attached to the wall or banisters.
Use approved and securely attached safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
Note that not all safety gates are safe for use at the top of the stairs.

Other baby furniture

Baby chairs or bouncinettes
If you have a baby chair or bouncinette, use it only on the floor, not on a table or raised surface. Don’t carry a bouncinette around with your child in it. And if your child can roll over, don’t use a bouncinette.

Baby walkers
Baby walkers aren’t recommended because they increase the risk of injury. Children in baby walkers can fall over easily. They can also quickly reach many indoor and outdoor safety hazards including hot things and stairs.

If you decide to use a baby walker, Australian Standards require that baby walkers have automatic braking systems and safety warning labels.

Always supervise your child when they’re in a baby walker, and make sure areas with safety hazards are blocked off. Also, it’s best to use the walker for only short periods, like 15 minutes, because overuse might mean your child is slower in learning to walk.

Jolly jumpers
Jolly jumpers aren’t recommended because they can increase the risk of injury. For example, a child in a jolly jumper can get their fingers trapped by the chain or springs. They can also get hurt if they bounce into walls or objects or if they’re pushed by another child.

If you decide to use a jolly jumper, check that the clamps and straps are secure before each bouncing session. If you use a jolly jumper that hangs in a doorway, make sure the doorframe can support your child’s weight, and that you hang the jolly jumper securely.

Don’t leave your child unattended in a jolly jumper, and tell older children not to push or pull the baby in the jolly jumper.

Also, it’s best to use a jolly jumper for only short periods, like 15 minutes, because overuse might affect when and how your baby learns to walk.

A safer, cheaper and recommended alternative to a baby walker or jolly jumper is to put your child on a play mat or blanket on the floor. This is stimulating for your child’s development and is a good chance for your child to have tummy time.