Small batteries, such as button batteries, can be easily accessible to small children, if the compartment where they are in is easily opened without the use of tools. A small child could then put the batteries in their mouth and this could cause the child to choke. If swallowed, the button batteries will also cause very severe damage to the child’s gastrointestinal tract, which could lead to fatal injuries. This situation requires immediate action from the adult in charge: see how you should react in this case and find out more on the webpage about button batteries.

When buying a toy or clothing for children, these should not have any long strings, or small pieces that can easily detach, or pieces that can easily break. Long strings could cause strangulation or injuries to the child when playing or moving. Easily detachable small pieces or easily breakable pieces could be small enough for a child to place in their mouth and choke. Small magnetic pieces have the additional risk that they attract each other. If the magnetised pieces have too strong a magnetic power and are swallowed, they could attract one another, causing intestinal blockage and/or perforation.

Use of harmful chemicals in children’s products can cause lifetime health risks. Often harmful chemicals in products can be traced only with specialised testing. It is therefore good to have a look at Safety Gate before deciding what to buy, to see that the product has not been banned by national authorities. For example, the plastic in toys, such as plastic dolls, inflatable balls, masks or fancy costumes, may have an excessive concentration of phthalates. Slime toys are sometimes found to have too high migration of boron. The contact with excessive amount of phthalates or boron may harm the health of children, possibly causing damage to their reproductive system.

Self-feeding pillows

Self-feeding pillows should only be used under strict adult supervision. If you use these, please ensure that the baby is able to control the flow of fluid and swallow correctly. If the fluid continues flowing even the baby is not swallowing, this could cause the child to choke.

Furniture

When buying furniture for babies, if it is a bed, it is good to check that the baby can sleep comfortably and safely. If it is a highchair or pushchair, the baby should be able to sit correctly in them and they should be stable and have no parts where the children’s small limbs could be stuck.

Babies younger than 4 months are at a higher risk of sleep-related death than older ones. Here are some product safety tips to ensure your baby sleeps safe and sound.

Cribs and cradles

A crib or cradle is the safest place for your baby to sleep. It should have:

• a firm, flat mattress with a tightly fitted sheet; if the mattress is too soft, it can block your baby’s airway and hinder its breathing;
• no gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or cradle;
• spaces between bars – whose width is in line with safety requirements – to prevent your baby from falling out or getting part of its body stuck in the crib or cradle;
• no small parts that could become detached and constitute a choking hazard.

Keep your baby’s crib or cradle clear. To prevent the risk of suffocation, strangulation or injuries, remove any:

• loose, soft bedding such as pillows, duvets or blankets;
• sleep positioners, baby nests or crib bumpers;
• toy.

Bedside sleepers

If you use a bedside sleeper and leave your baby alone, make sure to drop side is up and the wheels are locked to avoid suffocation or injury.

Sleeping bags

Make sure your baby’s head cannot slip through the neck opening when the sleeping bag is fastened. Otherwise, your baby could slip completely inside the sleeping bag and suffocate.

Not all baby products are safe places to sleep. Keep an eye on your baby if they fall asleep in a play, transport or feeding product.

• Padded products – such as baby nests or nursing pillows – could cause suffocation and/or overheating;
• In a reclined position (e.g. in baby bouncers or swings), the risk of suffocation is greater because your baby could roll on to their side or stomach;
• Sleeping while sitting (e.g. in a high chair, stroller or car seat) could cause your baby's head to fall forward, making it hard for them to breathe.