Safety

Safe feeding

Read our advice on:

Safe sleep

Read our advice on safe sleep.

Crying

Read our advice on dealing with a crying baby safely.

Baby slings

Baby slings are a popular way for parents to keep their baby close and build a strong
bond. But it’s important to use them safely.

A sling’s fabric can press against a baby’s nose or mouth, making it hard for them to breathe.

Young babies don’t have strong neck muscles, so their heads can fall forward, pressing their chin to their chest. This can block their airway.

To keep your baby safe:

  • make sure their chin is off their chest
  • their face should always be visible and clear of fabric
  • always check your baby’s position and breathing when using a sling

When you're wearing a sling or carrier, don't forget the T.I.C.K.S. acronym by the UK Sling Consortium.

If you'd like to borrow and test a sling, you can visit the:

For more information, visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents: advice on baby slings.

Safe bath time

Babies and toddlers can drown in just a few centimetres of water. This all happens silently, with no noise or struggle to let you know they’re in danger.

Babies can not sense risk, and if their face goes into water, they may not be able to lift it out. This can lead to death or serious brain injury.

Their skin is very delicate, 15 times thinner than an adults, so burns can happen easily and be more severe.

For a safe bath time:

  • get everything you need ready before bath time
  • stay with your baby all the time they’re in the bath
  • do not leave your baby alone, even for a moment. Keep them in arm’s reach
  • remember bath seats can topple over, or your baby can slip out
  • do not rely on a toddler to keep an eye on your baby, they’re too young to understand the danger
  • always run cold water before hot
  • test the temperature with your elbow

For more information, read the:

Burns and scalds

Young children are more at risk of burns and scalds because:

  • their small size means contact with something hot can cover a larger area of their skin
  • their skin is much thinner than an adult’s, so burns cause more serious injury
  • babies and toddlers are curious and still developing motor skills, so they may grab anything nearby, whether it’s a toy or something hot
  • their reflexes aren’t fully developed, so they don’t instinctively pull away from heat
  • they’re still learning and don’t always remember warnings or understand the consequences

Top tips to prevent burns:

  • supervise young children at all times
  • look for safe zones in your house where you know your child can’t reach your hot drink, iron or candles
  • put your hair styling products in a heat-proof pouch or on a high shelf to cool
  • when running a bath, put cold water in first and top up with hot
  • push your kettle to the back of the worktop and use the back rings of your cooker first
  • use fire guards and move cots away from radiators to prevent climbing
  • keep babies under the age of 6 months out of direct sunlight and cover exposed parts of your child's skin with sunscreen from the age of 6 months

For more information, read the:

Preventing falls

Babies grow and change quickly. One day they’re still, the next they’re rolling, crawling, or climbing. This can catch parents off guard, and they may fall off beds or changing tables.

Babies’ heads are heavy compared to their bodies, so when they fall, their heads often hit the ground first.

Most falls aren’t serious, but some can cause significant harm.

Here are some things you can do to stop your baby being injured:

  • change nappies on the floor using a mat to avoid falls
  • never leave your baby alone on a bed, sofa, or changing table, as they could roll off
  • keep baby seats and bouncers on the floor, not on tables or counters
  • hold the handrail on stairs when carrying your baby, and keep stairs clear of toys or other tripping hazards
  • use a safe baby walker that meets British Standard BS EN 1273:2005. Older walkers may tip over more easily
  • always use a 5-point harness in highchairs and prams to secure your baby
  • remove large toys from the cot once your baby can stand, to prevent them from climbing out

For more information, read the:

If you're a Stockport Homes residents receiving benefits

If you have a child under 2, live in a Stockport Homes property and are in receipt of benefits, you may be eligible for free, fitted home safety equipment.

Speak to your Health Visitor or Housing Officer for more information and to be referred.

Keeping babies safe around pets

A new baby can be a big change for your pet. They might lose access to rooms or furniture, and some pets find change hard.

Help your pet adjust by slowly introducing baby items and new routines. Use treats or rewards they enjoy.

Let your pet see and smell the baby but always supervise. Never leave your baby alone with a pet, even if they haven't shown signs of aggression previously.

Make sure your pet still gets exercise, food, and attention.

If you’re worried, talk to your midwife or Health Visitor.

For more information, read the: