When you have children, there are many things to consider. One of these is making your home safe, but safety should be the priority in all your purchases.
Safe baby equipment and child car seats
When choosing cots, prams, baby capsules, car seats and other equipment it is important to check that they meet Australian Safety Standards. If you are buying second hand equipment it is advisable to make yourself familiar with the Australian standards.
Kidsafe WA have a lot of information and a shop (online and at their shop in Leederville) where you can buy recommended products and see child-safe products.
Smart Steps also have information and advice on buying and fitting car seats, as well as road and driveway safety, which starts with how you get your child in and out of cars.
Child-proofing your home
- Secure furniture and equipment so that babies and young children cannot pull them down.
- Keep sharp and dangerous equipment like knives out of reach.
- Consider areas where you may need barriers (the kitchen, around the heater, or across stairs).
- Teach children about hot things that can burn them.
- Consider which drawers or cupboards may need childproof locks.
- Keep sprays, poisons, medicines, lighters and matches well out of reach of children.
- Save the Poisons Information Line number (13 11 26) and healthdirect number (1800 022 222) on your phone.
- If a child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 000 for an ambulance.
Sun safety and hot weather
In Western Australia, the sun’s damaging rays are present even on cloudy days.
- Hats and protective clothing are essential for all babies and children. Introducing these early can make it easier to get toddlers and young children to wear hats later.
- Role modelling the use of hats and application of sunscreen as a daily routine will also help make it a normal part of every day.
- Always make sure your baby or child has plenty of fluids in hot weather. For babies, offer an extra feed on hot days. For older children, offer cups and/or bottles of water frequently.
- Make sure the pram is well ventilated when you are out and about. Air needs to circulate to keep the baby cool. Do not cover the whole pram with a blanket as it will trap hot air inside. Keep to shady areas as much as possible.
- Don’t forget the car quickly gets hot inside. Never leave a child in a parked car. Take them with you, even if they have fallen asleep.
Water safety
To keep cool and for many of our outdoor activities, we are often close to water, so keeping your baby and child safe around water is essential.
Water in buckets, the bath, garden, and other places around the home is equally dangerous for babies and young children. Children can drown in water just a few centimetres deep.
Keep your children safe around water
- Supervise children around pools, the beach, rivers and dams.
- Ensure all pools, ponds and open water features are fenced or screened appropriately.
- Enrol your children in swimming and water safety as soon as you can.
- Learn basic first aid and CPR.
- Make sure your friends and relatives follow all the guidelines when they care for your children or you visit their home.
Parks and playgrounds can also pose some safety hazards. Kidsafe has information for safety while playing.
Want to know more?
The Raising Children Network – Sun safety for babies and children
Sunsmart – Sun protection for babies and toddlers
Kids First Aid – Book online for courses
St John Ambulance – First Aid courses
Australian Red Cross – First Aid courses and certificates
