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4-6 months
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As your baby grows and starts rolling, crawling and walking, you need to make sure your home is safe.
Safety tips for caring for babies up to 12 months old
When sleeping
- When your baby starts rolling, stop using a wrap or swaddle.
- Put your baby to sleep on their back.
- Keep their head and face uncovered.
- Keep the baby in a smoke-free environment.
Dressing and nappy change
- Always stay with your baby when they are on beds or change tables.
Water safety when bathing
- Always stay close, holding your baby as needed, when bathing or in water.
- Do not leave your baby alone in bath seats or float devices to keep baby safe.
- Put away or empty any containers with water or liquids that are on the ground. For example, empty your mop buckets or baby pool.
- Avoid fragranced chemicals (such as soaps that smell) for washing and bathing baby.
Play
- Keep small items such as toys, food and other objects off the floor.
- Check rooms regularly for small items on the floor
- Check your lowest cupboards and drawers and remove and place chemicals, sharp objects or dangerous goods in a high cupboard that only adults can reach.
- Read all toy packaging to ensure it is safe for your baby. Be aware that not all countries follow the same safety standards.
- If you have stairs, consider using a gate at the top and bottom of them, reminding everyone to close the gate when opened.
- Using a baby walker increases the risk of falls. Here is a safety guide if you a baby walker.
Feeding
- Hold your baby to give them their milk. Do not give them a bottle in bed.
- Use a harness with your highchair when offering solid food.
- Read about how to introduce solids – and what foods to avoid.
- Always watch your baby when they are eating.
- Learn first aid.
Preventing illness
- Wash your hand and your baby’s hands regularly with soap and water and thoroughly dry.
- Do not share spoons/ bottles between children.
- Sterilise bottles for milk feeding until 12 months of age.
- Keep your baby’s immunisations up to date.
- Wash toys your baby has used when they are sick.
In the sun
- The best protection is shade, light clothing that covers the body and wearing a hat that shades the face and neck.
- From 6 months of age, you can add sunscreen.
- Find out more about sun protection and babies.
Home life
- Work on creating an emotionally and physically stimulating, yet safe, home environment.
Choking
- Keep small things away from your baby.
Burns
- Put up fireguards around heaters, fireplaces and other heat sources.
- Keep hot foods and drinks away.
Falls
- Use safety gates to keep baby away from furniture, stairs, windows and balconies.
Poison
- Lock up cleaning stuff and medicine.
Smoking
- Smoke outside, far away from your baby.
Electricity
- Cover power outlets that your baby can reach
- Unplug appliances when not using them and put them away.
Your baby will start moving fast. Look at each room from their view. Remove or secure anything unsafe.
Where can I get trustworthy information?
You can get helpful advice that is safe and appropriate for your baby’s age from health professionals or trustworthy parenting websites.
Some advice on social media may not be safe, so be sure to check with your child and family health nurse or family doctor if you are unsure.
You can trust the information provided on the following websites:
Last updated: 12 Mar, 2026 - 03:17
