Baby Safety

Safe Baby Equipment

Playpens

Playpens must meet these guidelines:

Playpen walls should be mosquito‑type netting. Your little finger should not be able to pass through the mesh.
Have no more than two wheels or casters.
Have walls at least 48 cm (19 in.) high.
All parts must be free from rough or sharp edges. Hinges should be designed to prevent pinching or unintended collapse.
Any open holes drilled in metal, plastic, or wood components should be less than 3 mm or more than 10 mm in diameter.
All parts that are small enough for a baby to choke on must be firmly attached.
Vinyl rails and mattress pads should not be torn.

All of the sides of the playpen must be fixed firmly in the fully raised position. Do not put scarves, necklaces, long cords, pillows, or large toys in a playpen. Many brands of playpens made in the 1990s have been recalled because they can injure or kill babies. Always check for recalls and inspect the condition before accepting a second‑hand playpen or portable crib.

Baby Walkers

Baby walkers are banned in Canada because they allow babies to move too fast and can cause serious head injuries. Instead, use an activity centre that doesn’t move around on the floor.

Soothers

Make sure the soother is a one‑piece design.
Check regularly that the nipple is firmly attached to the handle by giving it a good tug.
Replace the soother every two months. If the soother is sticky, cracked, or torn, throw it away. It can easily tear and become a choking hazard.
Sterilize the soother before the first use by boiling it in water for five minutes and then letting it cool completely.
Clean the soother in warm, soapy water. Avoid cleaning it in your own mouth, which can transfer bacteria from your mouth to your baby’s mouth.
Never tie a cord to a soother and hang it around your baby’s neck or attach it to clothes. It can get tangled around her neck, causing your baby to strangle. You can use a clip with a short ribbon attached.
Avoid letting your baby chew a soother for teething. It can tear or break and become a choking hazard.
Never dip a soother into honey, syrup, or any other sweetener. This can lead to tooth decay. Do not give honey to babies less than 12 months of age. It can cause serious infection.

Strollers

Use the five‑point harness to prevent your baby from falling forward and tipping the stroller over.
Children should be kept at a safe distance when opening and closing a stroller to avoid serious injury to children’s fingers.
Do not hang your purse or heavy packages on the stroller handle. They can unbalance the stroller, causing it to tip over.
Check the stroller regularly for sharp edges, loose folding parts, brakes that don’t work properly, and loose wheels.
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for a new or used stroller.

Jogging or Running Strollers

Jogging strollers can be used on both paved surfaces and uneven surfaces such as paths, trails, or snow. Until your baby is at least one year old, do not jog with your baby in one of these strollers. Infants have weak neck muscles and cannot handle the impact of jogging. They also cannot handle jostling on bumpy trails. If you use a jogging stroller for walking an infant, it must have a fully reclining seat. Always use a five‑point harness to secure your baby into these types of strollers.

Baby Carriers

Baby carriers can be soft strap‑on carriers, slings, or framed back carriers.

Always read the instructions first.
Make sure it has a firm, padded head support that adjusts to the size of your baby.
Check that the leg holes are wide enough for your baby to be comfortable but small enough that the baby can’t slip through.
Never use a carrier while skiing, jogging, biking, or in a car.
Do not use a carrier when you are doing any activity, such as cooking, that could harm your baby.
Give your baby plenty of time out of the carrier to move, crawl, and explore.

Framed Back Carriers

Do not use a framed back carrier until your baby can sit alone – about six months of age.
Never leave your baby alone in the carrier.
The carrier should have a wide, solid base so it can’t tip over.
If a seat has wire supports that snap on the back, make sure they are secure.
Fasten straps and restraining buckles every time you use the seat. They should be adjusted to fit comfortably and to prevent your baby from turning in the seat.
Babies in back carriers should not be placed on tables, counters, or furniture. An active baby may lunge forward, tip the carrier, and fall to the floor. This can cause a head injury.