How to safely move baby
Follow our guides to help you buy and use products to safely move baby around.
Choose safe products
Look for safety features and warning statements
Some baby products sold in Australia are required to have safety information or features. 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 harness your baby in a car seat, pram or stroller. Secure them safely in a baby carrier, wrap or sling.
- Don’t wrap your baby in blankets or other swaddling before putting them in any type of safety harness. If you put a blanket on over the straps, make sure it’s not near your baby’s face and they’re not overheating.
- While it may be tempting when on the move, never leave a baby asleep unattended or for long periods in a baby carrier, wrap, sling, car seat, pram or stroller. They're not safe sleep environments. They are also unsafe to sleep in as baby can be inclined and restrained.
- Make sure the product is right for the age and size of your baby. Using products that your baby has grown out of or hasn’t grown into may be dangerous.
- 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 adjustable harnesses for secure fit.
- Regularly check for wear and tear. Don’t use a damaged product. Don’t use a product that has been in an accident.