How to safely play with baby

Follow our guides to help you buy and use products to safely play with baby.

Choose safe products

Look for safety 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.

Select sturdy toys

Choose sturdy and well-made toys and play equipment that won’t easily fall apart.

Buy age appropriate toys

Only buy baby toys that are age appropriate and have labelling for 3 years old and under.

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 supervise your baby or toddler when using baby exercise jumpers, baby walkers, and when in bouncers, rockers and swings.
  • Never let your baby sleep in a bouncer, rocker or swing as it is not a safe sleep environment and baby is inclined and restrained.
  • Check your baby toys with the choke check safety tool. Never give babies small toys or small parts. Make sure small parts like eyes or beads are not loose or poorly attached.
  • Be wary of toys which light up, make noise, or move. These may contain dangerous button batteries.
  • Always read product safety warning statements 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.