New Zealand Child Safety Foundation
In the Nursery
- Bouncinettes should always be used on the floor
- Ensure child is restrained in pram or high chair
- Use stair guards to prevent falling
- Keep small objects like coins, buttons and small toys out of reach
Warning: if it fits in a film canister it is not suitable for a child under 3 years of age.
- Use table mats not table clothes
- Ensure jug and iron cords are out of reach
- Never leave a hot iron where a child can touch it
- Keep sharp objects out of reach
- Never leave a child alone
- Never leave an older child in charge of younger children
- Don’t let your child play with cigarette lighters
Bath time
- Take the phone is off the hook if you are alone
- Make sure that your hot water is not more than 54° C
- Always put cold water into the bath first
- Test bath temperature before placing child in bath/shower
- Never leave a child alone in bathroom while the bath is filling
- Use a hot tap cover
- Never leave an older child in charge
- Use a non-slip mat in bath and shower
- It is not advisable to dunk baby under water
- Never rely on bath rings
Bedtime
- Ensure you have all you need handy when changing baby
- Never leave baby alone on a changing table
- Always keep one hand on baby when changing
- Change baby on the floor if possible
- Buy nightwear with safety labels
- Ensure nightclothes are close fitting and simple. Avoid ribbons and cords.
- Use a firm mattress that fits snugly in cot
- Lay baby on back to sleep
- Keep baby’s face clear of blankets
- Don’t have baby sleeping with you
- Ensure room is not too cold or too warm
This checklist has been kindly provided by the New Zealand Child Safety Foundation , one of New Zealand’s least known but most valuable charitable foundations. Established in 1985 as the New Zealand Safe Playing Trust to teach safety to pre-school and early primary school pupils, the Child Safety Foundation NZ was renamed in 1993. The Foundation is not funded by the Government and derives it’s funding from donations and fundraising. The foundation, through the generosity of its sponsors and other limited funding provides worthwhile services to support young families.
