• attach heavy furniture to the wall or floor so it doesn’t tip over
• mount TVs on the wall or use safety straps to stop them from falling
• put safety latches on cabinets and drawers
• add soft corner covers to sharp edges like coffee tables and TV stands
• move breakable or dangerous things out of reach- like vases, candles, knives, scissors, or anything heavy that could fall.

Tip: Babies grow fast, so keep checking your home as they start moving more. What’s safe now might not be safe later.  

• check cords, cables and appliances often for damage
• replace anything that’s damaged or not working- broken cords can cause electric shock
• use safety plugs in unused outlets so your child can’t put fingers or objects inside
• use cord organisers or cable ties to keep cords tidy and out of reach
• make sure there are no low-hanging cords or trip hazards your child could pull or fall over.

• secure free-standing ovens to the wall so they can’t tip over
• use stove guards to stop children from reaching hot pots and pans
• add appliance locks to ovens, microwaves.

See Burns and fire safety for more tips to prevent burns and scalds in the kitchen. 

 

• install heat-resistant safety guard around heaters or fireplaces to prevent burns
• never leave small children alone near heaters or fireplaces. 

See Burns and fire safety for more information.

• install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
• use gates to block areas like the garage or laundry
• always supervise young children when they use the stairs. 

• keep all medication in a locked cabinet- out of reach and out of sight
• never leave medication in handbags, counter tops or on bed side tables. 

See Medication safety for more information.

• install child safety doorknob covers for toddlers who can reach
• install window guards or locks
• check windows don’t open wider than 12.5cm
• do not rely on fly screens for window safety- they are made to keep flies out, not children in
• make sure cords from window blinds or curtains cannot be reached by small children on chairs or from their crib. 
   

A baby carrier is a product worn on a parent’s front that allows them to carry their child while keeping their hands free. Other products include: 

• baby sling- a piece of fabric worn across the front of the parent.
• baby backpack- worn on the parent’s back, suitable for toddlers who can hold their head up by themselves. 

Baby carrier and sling safety: 

• use a carrier or sling for younger babies
• position the baby on the front of the body, facing inward to help keep their head still
• keep your baby’s face visible and not pressed against fabric
• allow hips to be spread, knees apart and legs out
• check height and weight restrictions of products
• bend at your knees, not the hips when sitting down or getting up. This helps prevent falls from the carrier.
• be mindful of hot food and drinks while baby is in the carrier or sling. 

Speak to your child and family health nurse or Doctor GP to understand when your baby is old enough to be carried in a backpack. 

Follow the tips on Newborn sleep for more information on crib and carrier safety.

Every year, young children are seriously injured from balcony falls. Most of these accidents happen in the home and can be prevented. 

Did you know? 

Almost all falls from balconies occur within the child's own home. These falls tend to occur more frequently during the summer months and children who present to the hospital as a result are typically under the age of 5.  

Balconies should have strong railings, to prevent children from falling to the ground below. 

To help keep your child safe on balconies: 

• make sure railings are at least 1 metre high from the floor
• railings should have vertical bars no more than 12.5 cm apart
• avoid horizontal railings that children can climb
• move climbable objects like chairs, tables or toy boxes away from the railing
• always watch young children when they’re on the balcony
• keep balcony doors closed or locked when not in use. 

For more information on laws and standards for balconies and windows see NSW Planning Window safety and the National Construction Code for Safe movement and access.   
 

See balconies, windows and railing for more information.

See Water safety for pool safety requirements to prevent drowning in pools, baths and other water sources. 

Small objects pose a risk to children choking. 

Babies and toddlers often learn and explore by putting things in their mouth such as:  

• jewellery
• coins or loose change
• bobby pins
• small batteries.

To help reduce risk vacuum surfaces regularly.  

See the Choking education module to learn more.