How to safely bathe and change baby
Follow our guides to help you buy and use products to safely bathe and change baby.
Choose safe products
Look for safety features and warning statements
Some baby products sold in Australia are required to have safety features and information. Mandatory standards may apply to some products. When buying, look for products with safety warning statements or the key safety features listed in our product guides.
You can check which products have mandatory standards.
Research the product and retailer
Online ratings and reviews are a great source of information. Talk to other parents and friends about their experience with the product and what they found useful.
Buying online? Look carefully at photographs and descriptions
Look at photographs and listing descriptions carefully. Not all products available online will meet mandatory standards. They should include safety warning statements and the age range the product is designed for.
If the retailer doesn’t provide this information, don’t buy it, it’s not worth the risk.
Buying second-hand? Ask the seller questions
Make sure they have the instructions and that you check the product in person before you buy. If you’re not sure it meets the mandatory standard, don’t buy it, it’s not worth the risk.
See our guidance on buying second-hand products.
Check if the product's been recalled
Check if your product has been recalled in Australia. You can subscribe to stay up to date. You should also check if it’s been recalled overseas.
Safely use products
- Always keep at least one hand supporting your baby when bathing and changing them.
- Never leave your baby alone or in the care of another child. Even when using a bath aid.
- If you must leave the room, take your baby with you.
- Before you start bathing and changing, have your supplies ready and within arm’s reach.
- Always read product warnings and labels, and follow instructions for safe assembly, use and maintenance. Only use the product for its designed purpose.
- Regularly check for wear and tear. Don’t use a damaged product.
Banned products
Bans are placed on products when there is a risk that they may cause serious injury, serious illness or death. If a product is banned, it must not be supplied in Australia.
