How to keep your baby safe

There are a lot of baby products available. It can be hard to know what the safest products are for your baby. We can help you make the best decisions to keep your baby safe. Our product guides have information on how you can buy and use baby products safely.

Watch a video on the first steps to keep your baby safe

Before your baby takes their first steps, there are some simple steps you can take to keep them as safe as possible.

Remote video URL

Video transcript

VISION: A mother is guiding their baby down a hallway.

NARRATOR: Before you can think about your baby taking their  first steps, there are some simple steps that you can take to help keep them safe. Step 1: Use productsafety.gov.au to help you make informed decisions on baby products.

TEXT: Step 1: Use productsafety.gov.au

NARRATOR: Step 2: Make sure baby products aren't banned or recalled.

TEXT: Step 2: Make sure baby products aren't banned or recalled

NARRATOR: Step 3: Only use baby products for their intended purpose, and in the correct way.

TEXT: Step 3: Use baby products correctly

NARRATOR: Your first steps will help guide you on your journey towards bringing up a safe, happy baby.

TEXT: ACCC Product Safety; Your First Steps, productsafety.gov.au

Products for baby to sleep in

It is important to use baby products only for their designed and intended purpose. Incorrect use of a product, or using a product for a purpose it wasn’t intended for, can be unsafe for baby.

Products that are safest for baby to sleep in 

Products that are safest for baby to sleep in are:

  • household cots
  • folding cots
  • bassinets and cradles.

Products not designed for sleep and unsafe for sleeping

Many products for moving baby, playing with baby and soothing baby have inclined surfaces. They are not designed or recommended for sleep. Products include car seats, bouncers, prams, strollers, carriers and slings.

Products that do not provide flat, firm and level surfaces, and put baby’s head or body in a different position, are unsafe for sleeping. Products include soft toys, weighted blankets, and sleep comforters.

Sleep bub safe footer

Visit Sleep bub safe to find a video and information to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and carers.

Be wary of dangers around the house

As your baby starts moving around there are other dangerous products in the house you need to know about.