CHILDREN’S AND NURSERY PRODUCTS
KEEPING
KIDS SAFE
33
INTRODUCTION 4
SAFETY AT HOME 5
SAFETY STANDARDS 12
SLEEP SAFETY 14
NURSERY SAFETY 27
PLAY SAFETY 45
SAFETY STANDARDS –
LIST OF TITLES 55
CONTACT INFORMATION 60
Ministry of Business,
Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Hikina Whakatutuki Lifting to make successful
MBIE develops and delivers policy, services, advice and
regulation to support economic growth and the prosperity
and wellbeing of New Zealanders.
MBIE combines the former Ministries of Economic
Development, Science + Innovation, and the Departments
of Labour and Building and Housing.
© Crown Copyright 2013
The material contained in this report is subject to Crown copyright
protection unless otherwise indicated. The Crown copyright protected
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as being the copyright of a third party. Authorisation to reproduce such
material should be obtained from the copyright holders.
ISBN 978-0-478-31662-9 (print)
978-0-478-31663-6 (pdf)
June 2013
5
SAFETY AT HOME
Safe products in a safe environment
There are some general things you can do to
make your home a safe place for children.
For example, keeping blind cords tied up will
prevent children becoming tangled in them.
Standards New Zealand have produced an
easy-to-use guide outlining design, building,
and maintenance steps you can take to
reduce hazards in the home.
See Standards New Zealand Handbook
SNZ HB 4102:2011 Safety in the home,
which you can read on the ACC website:
www.acc.co.nz/preventing-injuries/at-home/
index.htm
Safe supervision
You as a parent or caregiver are responsible
for keeping your child safe.
Children need to be constantly supervised,
even when asleep, to prevent accidents from
happening and to keep them safe. If you
have to leave your child alone for a moment,
first make sure they are completely safe.
Infants should be put into a cot.
Never leave children alone and
unsupervised:
• in or near water
• near a fire or heater
• near unfenced stairs
• unrestrained in a pram or stroller.
ACC advise: ‘be there and be aware’.
4
INTRODUCTION
Children and babies have no sense
of danger and rely on others to keep
them safe.
Even safe products can be harmful
if they are not used in a safe way.
Everyday items can cause harm if not
assembled correctly or placed safely
in the room away from hazards.
This booklet helps you decide what
products to buy for your child and
how to use them safely.
Remember to talk about safety to
family and friends who may buy
products for your child, or care for
them when you’re not there.
6
Older children also need to be watched when
they are playing with younger children. A
toy which is safe for an 11 year old could be
very unsafe for a one year old. Also, older
children do not always understand that they
need to play gently with younger children.
They may not recognise when a younger
child is in danger.
Childproof your home
• Keep cigarette lighters away from
children, especially barbeque and novelty
lighters that look like toys.
• Use childproof locks on cupboards
containing batteries, magnets,
dishwashing powders, cleaning products
etc.
• Tie long cords from blinds or curtains out
of children’s reach.
• Place cots and bunk beds away from
windows, pictures, shelves or ceiling
fans.
• Use safety barriers or guards for stairs,
heaters, fires and doors which open to a
driveway.
• Keep hot drinks away from children.
• Keep glass tables or coffee tables away
from where children play.
• Fit smoke alarms and check them
regularly (e.g. at the start and end of
daylight saving).
• Fit covers over power points.
• Keep tools and products in garages and
sheds out of children’s reach.
• Fence pools and hot tubs or spa pools.
Some hazards to watch
‘Stay a metre from the heater’
• Keep heaters at least one metre away
from bedding, clothes, curtains, rugs
and furniture.
• Always keep young children away from
heaters and fires and never leave them
unsupervised in a room where a heater
or fire is on.
• Use a fireguard.
Furniture
Several features can make furniture unsafe,
especially for infants and children.
• Tall items like bookcases and chests of
drawers that are not secured to the wall
can fall when children climb on them, or
in an earthquake.
• Low items like a large television with a
small base can be unstable and fall onto
children.
• Glass tables can shatter.
Fit restraints on any furniture that may tip
over or children may climb on, e.g. drawers
or televisions.
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8 9
Button batteries
Small ‘button’ batteries are used in all sorts
of devices, from remote controls to car keys.
If they are swallowed by small children, they
can cause serious (and even fatal) injuries in
as little as two hours.
When a button battery comes into contact
with fluids in the body, it creates an electrical
current. This current causes serious and
sometimes permanent tissue damage, which
may require multiple, painful surgeries to
repair. In some cases, it can prove fatal.
Check your home, car and any other place
your child goes for devices that may contain
button batteries. Make sure these batteries
are securely enclosed in the device and
lock any spare button batteries away. Keep
button batteries – even ‘flat’ ones – out of
children’s reach.
If you think your child may have swallowed
a button battery, take them to hospital
immediately.
Magnets
Small, super-strong magnets are popular and
sometimes sold in sets as ‘educational’ toys.
These magnets are harmless to play with
but if swallowed can cause serious internal
damage that can require major surgery.
Because of their strength, older children have
been known to use these magnets as mock
jewellery, such as mouth or tongue studs.
Young children put them in their mouth out of
curiosity and have swallowed them.
If two or more of these magnets are
swallowed, they can join up in the digestive
system. The pressure they exert can cause
serious inflammation and ulceration. Left
untreated, this can quickly lead to major
tissue damage, perforations and potentially
infection, sepsis and death.
Keep small, strong magnets out of reach
of children, and supervise teenagers when
using them. If you think your child may have
swallowed some, take them to hospital
immediately.
Safe products
Before you buy any nursery equipment, shop
around. Think about safety as well as cost.
Ask the shop assistant how to use a product
correctly. People selling children’s products
should be able to show you how they work.
Second-hand products
Before you buy or use a second-hand product,
check it closely for safety hazards. If there is
any obvious damage, DON’T USE IT!
8
Check for:
• worn, missing, broken or loose parts
• fabric that is worn and/or not firmly fixed
to the frame
• security of locking clips or bolts
• peeling paint or damaged wood, metal
or plastic
• broken straps or buckles
• rough edges, sharp points or splinters
• instructions on how to assemble or use
the product.
Safe use
Injuries can happen because a product is
not assembled, maintained or used properly.
Sometimes there may be a problem with
the product itself. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions and use products designed for
your child’s age and weight.
Only use products for the purpose they are
designed for. For example, prams, car seats
and capsules are designed to transport
a child. The child may fall asleep while
travelling, but should be moved to a
cot when you reach your destination.
Make sure your child wears protective gear
such as helmets when using moving toys
such as bicycles, scooters and skateboards.
This will encourage them to develop good
safety habits from an early age.
Follow instructions and use
harnesses
Read the manufacturer’s instructions,
and follow them when assembling and
using products. Check with the supplier
if you are unsure. Always keep within the
manufacturer’s stated maximum weight
capacity.
If a product has a harness, always use it.
Check all items regularly for damage, and
watch for:
• loose screws or joints
• open ended tubes, hinges with gaps, or
any spaces or holes that can trap heads,
fingers and toes
• wear and tear on locking devices –
nursery equipment can collapse if
locking devices don’t work
• stability – make sure it won’t tip over in
use or if you fit extra accessories
• projections, strings or cords that could
snag clothing or could strangle or choke.
Report unsafe products
If you think a product may be unsafe, or you
have had an accident or near miss when
using it properly, contact Consumer Affairs
to let us know. Phone 0508 627 774.
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12 13
SAFETY STANDARDS
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 requires
that all goods sold in New Zealand are safe.
The supplier is responsible for the safety of
their goods.
Many nursery products are covered by safety
standards, which aim to prevent injuries or
reduce the risk of them happening.
Check for compliance
Look for markings on the product or
packaging that says it meets a safety
standard.
• If it meets an Australian/New Zealand
Standard it may carry the letters AS/NZS
and the standard number.
• If it complies with an overseas standard, it
may carry markings that show it complies
with an International Standardisation
Organisation (ISO), European (EN), British
(BS), or American (ASTM or CFR) standard.
• Check any endorsements or claims made
by suppliers about standards and testing
to check that they are genuine and apply
to the particular product.
If a product doesn’t state that it complies with
a safety standard, ask the retailer why not. If
they don’t know, shop elsewhere or contact
the manufacturer for more information.
Mandatory and voluntary safety
standards
Some products, such as cots, baby walkers
and children’s nightwear, are covered by
Safety standards. This means that they are
required by law (the Fair Trading Act
1986) to meet the specified safety
standard.
Mandatory safety standards are
developed by industry experts in
engineering design and early child
development. It is against
the law to supply products (including
second-hand products in some cases) that
do not meet these standards.
The Commerce Commission enforce
mandatory standards. You can report any
breaches to them by phoning 0800 943
600 or emailing [email protected].
Other products may be covered by
voluntary safety standards. Products
are not required by law to meet these
standards. However, those that do meet
them will be safer to use.
The safety standards which apply are given
with each product’s safety information. The
full titles of the standards are also listed at
the back of this booklet.
As a consumer, you can encourage traders
to supply safe products by always asking
for goods which comply with a safety
standard.
New designs
New types of products are being developed
all the time. New products or designs may
not be covered by existing standards. Note
that a new product design may look great
in your home, but if it hasn’t been tested
properly using the correct standards, it may
not be safe!
15
SLEEP SAFETY
When buying and using products in which
your child will sleep, think about whether
they will be able to sleep safely and in a safe
position.
Cots
Safety standard:
AS/NZS 2172
MANDATORY
Babies spend a lot of time in their cot, so it’s
important to make sure that they are safe.
The mandatory standard for household
cots requires that cots provide a firm, flat
sleeping surface without any gaps or parts
that stick out. This is the best sleeping
environment for your baby, particularly for
unsupervised or overnight sleeping.
Most cot injuries happen when
children fall while trying to climb out.
If your child is climbing, it is time to
consider using a bed.
Children can also get stuck in gaps between
the mattress and the cot sides. They can be
strangled by their clothing if it catches on
tall corner posts or cut-out shapes in the
headboard, or by curtains and blind cords
they can reach from their cot.
Things to note
• When your baby is lying in a cot, their
head must be level. It should not tip
forward and press their chin into their
chest as this affects breathing. Use this
test for other products which your baby
may sleep in. Compare the surface and
position that these products provide to
see whether they are likely to be safe for
your baby.
• Avoid products which ‘cocoon’ the baby
or promote a ‘foetal’ position – babies
can’t breathe easily when they are curled
up. It is important that babies sleep flat
on their back, with no toys, clothing or
bedding near or covering their face.
• Avoid pillows, loose or soft bedding, or
anything which can cover a baby’s face
and suffocate them.
What the standard requires for cots
Make sure that the cot complies with
the mandatory standard. New cots must
carry labelling that provides assembly
instructions, maintenance and safety
information and the manufacturer’s details.
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16 17
Mattresses
• The mattress must be tight fitting – the
space between the mattress and cot
should be less than 20mm when the
mattress is centred in the cot.
• Do not put another mattress on top of
the one provided.
• Do not put a mattress into a playpen
(sometimes called a play yard) if the
manufacturer does not provide one.
Height and gaps
• The cot must be more than 60cm deep
so the baby can’t climb up and fall out
– measure from the top of the mattress
to the top rail.
• The cot’s sides must have no horizontal
bars, ledges or other foot holds.
• The gaps between the bars or slats
in the cot must be between 5cm and
9.5cm wide.
• There must be no gaps between 3cm
and 5cm wide to trap arms and legs.
• There must be no gaps bigger than
9.5cm for a child to fall through.
• The mattress should fit snugly.
Projections
• No screws, nails or cot features should
stick into or out of the cot within reach
of the child.
• The corner posts must not be too
high – they should be less than 5mm
from the top horizontal rail to prevent
clothing from being caught.
Other things to check
• The edges are smooth and rounded,
not sharp.
• The cot will not collapse when used or
moved.
• The base of the cot does not sag or
collapse when pushed down.
• There are no transfers, counting beads or
name tiles on the cot – these can choke a
child.
• If the cot has castors, at least two of them
have brakes to prevent the cot from being
moved accidentally.
Using your cot safely
Make sure:
• there are no large toys or other large
objects – small children can pile up large
toys and use them to climb out.
• there are no small objects, or toys that
could break into small parts – they can
choke a child.
• any mobile toy suspended above a cot is
out of reach of your child.
• nothing is tied to the cot with long strings
or ribbons – these can strangle a small
child.
• the plastic shop wrapper/bag has been
taken off the mattress.
Do not:
• use a pillow – they can suffocate children
and should not be used for children under
two years of age
• use an electric blanket or hot water bottle
– these can burn, scald or electrocute
young children
• use a wheat bag to heat up the blankets –
if they are covered, they can start a fire.
19
Adjustable cots
Some cots have bases that can be raised and
lowered. There should be only two positions
for the base. Only use the high position for a
child who cannot sit up. Put the base down
to the low position before they are able to
sit up.
Never put the drop-side down when the base
is in the high position, as a child could fall
out.
Co-sleepers
Co-sleepers are cots which have three sides
and are pushed up against an adult bed.
Three-sided cots do not meet the mandatory
standard for household cots.
Consumer Affairs does not recommend
co-sleepers, as they could trap or suffocate
a child.
Infants should have their own sleeping
space. If you have to share, use a wahakura
or pepi-pod.
Travel, folding and
portable cots
Safety standard:
AS/NZS 2195
(This standard does not apply to cradles,
carry cots, or non-folding cots.)
Many portable cots are also marketed as
playpens. They can be useful temporary
beds, but they are not as sturdy as a
normal cot. Children have been injured
when portable cots have collapsed
inwards, and when the bottom of the cot
has not been stable.
Things to note
Smaller, lightweight travel cots should:
• be stable so they cannot be tipped over
• have rigid sides and be robust enough
to prevent anything falling onto a child
• have a tight-fitting, firm mattress
• have breathable areas of fabric or
mesh at mattress level on all sides
• have no gaps or holes to trap fingers.
Sleep positioners and wedges
Consumer Affairs does not recommend
that you use sleep positioners, wedges or
similar products. They can prevent a baby
from moving to a safer position if it gets
into difficulty.
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Baby hammocks
These are canvas hammocks, which may
be attached to a ceiling mounting, clamped
around a doorframe, or supported by a
stand.
At present, baby hammocks are not covered
by any safety standards, so take extra care
when using them to keep your baby safe.
Think about how stable the hammock
is, whether you can see your child in it,
their sleeping position, and any dangers
from children and pets knocking into the
hammock.
Make sure that the point you intend to
suspend the hammock from, such as a
doorway or ceiling joist, is able to support
the hammock securely. Ceiling mountings
should be professionally installed. If you
are going to use a door clamp, make sure
that the frame is sound and can support the
clamp.
Baby hammocks can use different types of
supporting frames. Make sure that the one
you choose is safe.
Checks before you buy
• The frame’s design – how easily can it be
tipped over in any direction, for example,
if it was knocked by toddlers, pets, or by
someone vacuuming?
• Is the stand on a stable floor surface?
Carpeted floors may increase the chance
of the frame tipping over.
• Does the mattress and bedding in the
hammock provide a firm, flat sleeping
surface?
• Are the joints and brackets
holding the frame together sturdy
and solid?
• Are the assembly instructions easy to
follow?
Using your hammock safely
Remember to check on your baby often, as
babies are not easy to see in a hammock.
If your baby has moved in the hammock
since you last checked, make sure that
they are not wedged in the side of the
hammock. The bedding must be away
from their face with a clear breathing
space.
Think about your baby’s sleeping position
in the hammock and compare this with the
current advice on safe positions. Consider
how safe the hammock will be as your
baby grows and becomes more active.
Stop using the hammock as soon as your
baby is able to move around or sit up. Use
a wooden cot that meets the mandatory
safety standard instead.
Bunk beds
Safety standard:
AS/NZS 4220
Bunk beds can be dangerous, especially
for very young children. Most bunk bed
injuries happen when children fall from
the top bunk. Children can also get stuck
in gaps or get their clothes caught on tall
corner posts, which can lead to serious or
even fatal injuries.
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Using your bunk bed safely
Bunk beds are not suitable for children
under 9 years of age. Pay particular
attention when using bunk beds that are
not familiar to you, for example in holiday
accommodation.
• Use the top bunk only for sleeping. Most
injuries are caused by children falling
while playing on the top bunk.
• Check that ladders and guard rails are
fixed and stable.
• Check regularly for wear and tear. Always
repair any damage immediately.
• Only use mattresses that are suitable
for the particular bunk bed. A deeper
mattress reduces the height of the
guard rail.
Placing your bunk bed in a room
Make sure you put your bunk bed is in a safe
position in a room. Keep bunk beds away
from:
• other furniture that children may be
tempted to try and climb onto
• windows
• ceiling fittings, fans or lights – allow a
space of at least two metres
• any curtain and blind cords that children
could reach from the bunk bed.
Things to note
Guard rails
• Look for bunk beds with guard rails or
bed-ends on all sides of the top bunk.
• Guard rails should be either
permanently attached to the bed or
fixed firmly so they cannot be knocked
off or removed by a child.
• The top of the guard rail should be at
least 360mm higher than the top of the
mattress base.
• Guard rails should be smooth and
there should be nothing sticking out
of the rail that could snag clothing or
other items on a child.
• If there is an opening to enable you
to access the bed more easily, this
opening should be between 300mm
and 400mm wide.
Gaps and projections
• Check that there are no gaps of 95mm
to 230mm in any part on the bunk bed,
including guard rails and rungs on
ladders. Small bodies can fit through
but heads can get stuck.
• Check that there are no parts that stick
out more by than 5mm from the side
of the bunk bed. Anything sticking out
from bunks could catch clothing and
cause it to strangle a child.
• Make sure all screws, nuts, bolts and
other fasteners are flush against or
inside the bunk surface and do not
create a sharp point, edge or a snag
danger.
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Children’s nightwear and dress-ups
Safety standard:
AS/NZS 1249 MANDATORY
Manufacturers have to follow special rules
for making children’s nightwear. Labels
on these clothes can help you make safer
choices for your children.
All clothing fabrics burn so keep children’s
clothing away from heaters or open fires.
Be especially careful when your child is
wearing ‘dress-up’ garments. Do not let
them wear fairy costumes or flowing outfits
in a room with a heater or unguarded fire.
Checks before you buy
Make sure that the clothing complies
with the mandatory standard – Check the
garment’s labels. There are three labels for
LOW FIRE
DANGER
CAUTION
NOT HEAT OR FLAME
RESISTANT
WEAR SNUG-FITTING
TO REDUCE RISK
• White Label:
LOW FIRE DANGER
The garment has a lower
fire risk. Either its fabric
burns more slowly, or the
garment is close-fitting.
Buy ‘low fire danger’
labelled children’s
nightwear whenever
possible. Remember,
‘low fire danger’ does not
mean ‘NO fire danger’.
• Orange Label:
The fabric for the
garment has a higher
fire risk. The garment is
designed to be close-
fitting to reduce the risk
of it catching fire. Make
sure that nightwear with
this label fits your child
snugly.
• Red Label:
The garment has a
higher fire risk. Wear
the garment in summer
rather than winter when
it is less likely to catch
fire from a heater or
fireplace.
Get the right size
Buy nightwear which is close-fitting
whenever possible. Nightwear which sits
close to the body has less chance of catching
fire than baggy, loose clothing.
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CAUTION
NOT HEAT OR FLAME
RESISTANT
WEAR SNUG-FITTING
TO REDUCE RISK
children’s nightwear:
24
27
Don’t buy garments that your child needs
to ‘grow into’ as the garments may not
be as tight fitting as the manufacturer
intended. Nightwear labelled ‘Low Fire
Danger’ may actually have an increased
fire danger if the clothing is loose and
baggy on your child.
Children under two can also suffocate in
sleepwear that is too big. Baggy nightwear
may ride up over their face and suffocate
them so only use close-fitting clothing.
‘One size’ does not fit all – sizes should be
clearly age-marked.
Sleep bags
Sleep bags should be the right size for
your child. ‘One size’ garments – even if
they are adjustable – may allow a child to
slip down inside and suffocate.
Tips for home sewing
• Polyester does not burn as quickly as
cotton and is suitable for children’s
nightwear.
• If you are using cotton fabric, make
the nightwear close-fitting. Flames do
not spread so quickly over close-fitting
clothes.
• Use polyester thread for both types of
fabric.
NURSERY SAFETY
Baby slings
There are many different designs of baby
slings and carriers. Choose one which
carries your baby in the same position as
you carry them in your arms. Check your
baby frequently by placing your arms
around them and reposition if necessary.
Never use a sling that carries your baby like
a sack or bag, or curls them up like a foetus.
These positions can prevent them from
breathing.
Baby slings help you carry your baby.
They should not be used during activities
like cooking, driving or jogging. If you
use a sling while feeding your baby, don’t
continue with other activities as your baby
can suffocate if not watched closely. Use the
time to bond with your baby.
Prams and strollers
Safety standard:
AS/NZS 2088
BS EN 1888
ASTM F833
Babies and small children spend a lot of
time in prams and strollers, so make sure
they are safe.
Injuries can happen when a pram or stroller
is overloaded with shopping, or because
a child tries to climb in or out. Prams and
strollers can run away while parked if the
brakes are not used.
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opening or folding the stroller, or
taking it out of a car boot. Avoid holding the
stroller where your fingers may be caught if
it unfolds suddenly.
Be especially careful getting on and off
buses and trains, and crossing roads with
prams or strollers. Don’t push the pram or
stroller onto the road unless you are sure
that traffic has stopped.
Always:
• use the harness – a pram is a vehicle,
just like a car
• adjust the straps to fit your child
• check that the locks engage each time
you use them
• put on the brakes when you park the
pram or stroller
• make sure your child’s arms are inside
the frame when you are pushing the
pram or stroller
• keep your child clear of moving parts
when you adjust the pram or stroller
• when you have a choice, use lifts and
not stairs or escalators.
Checks before you buy
Test drive the pram or stroller before you
buy to make sure the height and weight of
the pram is comfortable for you, and that it’s
easy to fold and unfold.
Make sure that:
• the pram or stroller pram is fitted with an
adjustable five-point harness
• reversible handles stay in place
• the footrests can be adjusted to fit your
child
• the pram or stroller doesn’t fold or
collapse when you:
– push it back and forward
– shake it
– move it up or down steps, or
over a kerb
• the safety straps don’t undo when you
pull them
• a child cannot undo the buckle
• there are two locking devices to stop the
pram or stroller from collapsing
• all locking devices stay locked and can’t
be dislodged by accident
• the wheels are secure and swivel easily
• the wheels can be locked in position to
stop them swivelling on rough roads
• the brakes are easy to operate and it
doesn’t move when you try to push it
with the brakes on.
Using your pram or stroller safely
Strollers have folding mechanisms that
can easily trap fingers. Make sure that the
stroller’s locking mechanisms are out of
reach when a child is on board. To avoid
injuring yourself, make sure the stroller’s
folding mechanism is firmly locked when
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Do not:
• carry bags or shopping on the handles –
this may make the pram tip over
• carry extra children on the pram if it isn’t
designed to do this
• leave a baby unattended in a pram, even
if they are sleeping
• fit accessories other than those
specifically designed for that model.
Maintain your pram or stroller
Normal wear and tear can make your pram or
stroller unsafe. Check for:
• locks that are no longer firm or working
properly
• torn or worn fabric
• worn fastenings, such as domes and
Velcro
• torn foam padding that a child could pick
out and choke on small pieces.
Change tables
If you can, change baby on the floor – it’s
much safer.
Change tables may make things easier for an
adult, but they do have risks for a child. They
may wriggle or roll off the table and be hurt.
Head injuries from falls can be severe.
Checks before you buy
Make sure that:
• the table is solid and stable
• folding tables can be locked in the open
position
• adjustable tables can be locked in place
• there is a safety strap
• the sides are raised at least 10cm
high to prevent your baby rolling off
• the edges are smooth and rounded
• the changing surface is made of strong
material and is firmly attached to the
frame
• there are no gaps or spaces near the
changing surface that could trap your
baby’s head, arms, or legs.
Using your changing table safely
Always:
• use the restraining strap – this is the only
way your child can be safe on a change
table
• make sure the table is on a level surface –
it could tip if one leg is resting on a rug
• have everything you need within reach.
Never leave your child unattended on a
change table. It’s not safe to turn your back,
not even for a moment.
Using your high chair safely
Always:
• supervise your child in the high chair
• use the harness to keep the child safe
and get them used to it
• keep your child’s hands, fingers or
head well clear when you raise or
lower the tray
• make sure the chair is on a level
surface – it could tip if one leg is
resting on a rug
• make sure the child cannot reach
electrical cords or other hazards from
the chair
• keep the highchair away from a wall,
or another piece of furniture – a child
can push their feet against nearby
furniture or walls and tip the chair
over.
32
High chairs
Safety standards:
AS 4684
ISO 9221-1
BS EN 14988-1
ASTM F404
Most injuries involving high chairs happen
when a child falls while trying to climb in
or out of the chair, or to stand up while
inside it. These accidents can happen
when the child is not being supervised
closely or the safety straps are not being
used properly.
Checks before you buy
Make sure that:
• the highchair has a wide base to stop
it tipping when your child is sitting in
it
• if the highchair is a folding one,
the chair can be locked in the open
position and will stay locked under the
weight of a child
• there is a harness or one can be
attached – if there is no harness, buy
one separately
• the harness includes a shoulder strap,
as well as straps that go around the
waist and between the legs
• the harness can be tightened to a
snug fit
• a child cannot remove the tray, but you
can adjust the tray’s position easily
and lock it securely in place.
33
34
Hook-on porta-chairs
This type of chair is clamped on to the side
of a table.
Checks before you buy
Make sure that:
• the chair is suitable to use with your
type of table
• all the edges are smooth and rounded
• the chair has safety straps to hold the
child
• there is a locking clamp to secure the
chair to the table
• the support arms have rubber or plastic
tips to improve the grip on the table.
Using your hook-on porta-chair safely
The way you use your hook-on porta-chair
can make it unsafe for your child. Always:
• fasten the safety straps
• fasten the chair securely to the main
table and not to an extension
• make sure the child cannot reach any
hazards on the table, such as hot food,
hot drinks or knives
• make sure the child cannot reach parts
of the table with his or her feet
• keep electrical cords and other hazards
out of reach
• watch a child in the chair – if a child
pushes the chair away from the table,
they may fall backwards on to the floor.
Bibs
Babies can suffocate quickly, so always
keep an eye on your baby when wearing a
bib.
The safest bibs are cloth bibs with a full
collar and no ties, or firm plastic bibs with a
tray. Avoid plastic-backed cloth bibs. These
could suffocate your baby if the plastic
covers their nose and mouth. Tie ribbons
can be a choking hazard.
Using a bib safely
Always:
• remove the bib before lying your baby
down
• if possible, remove the bib immediately
after feeding – if baby needs to keep it
on only do so while you are holding your
baby, or when your baby is sitting up
and near you
• fasten any ties securely so your baby
cannot play with them.
35
36 37
Bouncinettes
Bouncinettes are intended for very
young babies. They should not be
used for babies who can sit up or make
vigorous movements. Most injuries from
bouncinettes are from falls.
Checks before you buy
Make sure that:
• the bouncinette has a wide base to
prevent it tipping over
• the edges are smooth and rounded
• there is a safety strap to secure your
child
• the material supporting the baby is not
torn or damaged which could cause the
baby to fall.
Using your bouncinette safely
• Only use the bouncinette on the floor
– never put a bouncinette on a high
surface, such as a table or bench top.
• Stop using the bouncinette as soon as
your child can sit up or move around.
• Never carry your child in a bouncinette
as they could fall out.
Bouncers and jumpers
Checks before you buy or use
Make sure that:
• the doorframe that the jumper is to be
attached to is sturdy enough to hold
the bouncer or jumper – you may need
to reinforce or strengthen it
• holding clips are in perfect condition
• the spring is securely fastened, the
hooks at each end are not damaged,
and that it has a safety cord in the
centre
• the top attachment holding the
bouncer is firmly secured to the
doorframe or ceiling, as instructed by
the manufacturer.
Using your bouncer or jumper safely
• Check the holding clips regularly and
replace them as soon as they start to
wear.
• Replace any fabric that appears torn or
weak immediately.
Do not:
• let other children push or twirl the
bouncer
• change the way the bouncer works
yourself – home-made modifications
will affect the way the bouncer
performs and can result in your child
being injured.
38 39
• all tubes have their ends sealed to
prevent baby’s fingers and toes getting
trapped
• a folding walker has an automatic lock
so that it doesn’t collapse in use
• all locking devices are out of reach of a
baby
• the baby walker has brakes or other
features to stop it moving when it
reaches an uneven surface, or a
change in level, like a step
• the seat is firmly attached to the frame
• any springs are covered (e.g. by plastic
tubing) so they cannot injure a child
when they are stretched
• any decorative toys or beads are well
fastened.
Using your baby walker safely
Make sure:
• there are safety barriers blocking off
steps and stairs, stoves, heaters and
fireplaces
• the baby walker is on a flat surface – it
could tip if it runs over electric cords or
the edges of rugs
• all harmful items are well out of reach
(e.g. electric jugs, saucepans and
electric irons)
• the baby’s feet can touch the floor
• you always supervise a child in a
baby walker – do not leave a child
unattended in a baby walker
• heavy furniture and appliances such as
televisions are secured
• the baby walker is put away when it is
not being used.
Baby walkers
Safety standard:
ASTM F977 MANDATORY
Think carefully before you decide to buy a
baby walker for your baby. Baby walkers
help babies do things they may not be
ready for. Playing on the floor is also
better for their development. Consumer
Affairs does not recommend using baby
walkers.
Baby walkers have high rates of injury,
mainly head injuries from falls. Babies can
fall down steps or stairs. Because a baby is
upright in the walker, they can reach
things they normally can’t. They can be
scalded or burned by pulling boiling water
down on to themselves, or by reaching
open fires and heaters.
In a walker, a baby can be across a room in
seconds so they need to be watched at all
times. Baby play stations that don’t have
wheels are generally safer alternatives.
Checks before you buy
Make sure that:
• the base of the baby walker is wider
than the tray frame
• the wheels are at least 5cm wide – large
wheels make the baby walker more
stable
• the baby walker is rigid and sturdy
• all edges are smooth and rounded
Do not:
• use baby walkers if your child cannot sit
up without support
• use baby walkers if your child can walk
by itself without help
• carry the baby walker with a baby in it
• let a child use the baby walker as a push-
along toy
• use a baby walker if your child is heavier
than the manufacturer’s recommended
maximum weight.
Safety barriers
Safety standards:
EN 1930
ASTM F1004
Safety barriers are useful to make a safe
area for your child, or to block off dangerous
hazards such as fires, heaters, and stairs.
Children can be injured if the gaps in the
barrier are too wide, or if there are bars they
can use as a foothold to climb over.
41
Checks before you buy
Make sure that:
• the top of the barrier is at least 75cm
from the floor
• all bars or slats are vertical and the gaps
are between 5cm and 9.5cm wide
• all the edges are smooth and rounded.
Using your safety barrier safely
Always:
• check that the barrier is held securely in
the doorway or passage
• remove any large toys or other objects
nearby – small children can pile them up
and use them to climb over the barrier
• be watchful of other children who could
move the barrier.
Playpens
Safety standard:
AS/NZS 2195
Playpens with a floor fall within the scope of
this Standard as they are essentially the same
product as folding cots. Playpens without a
floor are not covered by this Standard.
Playpens can help keep children safe as
they start to move around. They can provide
separate and safer play areas for children
of different ages. Children can be injured in
playpens if:
• they get stuck in the gaps between the
bars
• they climb out and fall
• the playpen is not properly locked in
place and it collapses.
40
42
Do not:
• place the playpen near a heater or
power point – your child could be burned
or electrocuted
• use a playpen for children who can lift or
move the playpen – they are too old for it.
Baby bath aids
Baby bath aids are products like baby bath
seats and baby bath rings that support a baby
sitting in a bath. They can be useful for mums
and dads with bad backs, but there are risks
when using these types of products.
Babies have drowned using bath aids.
It’s safer to bath your baby without using a
bath aid so you’re not tempted to leave them,
even for a few seconds. A child can drown in a
bath aid when:
• the bath aid tips over in water – the
suction cups may not completely stick to
the bathtub’s surface
• the child climbs out of the bath aid into
the water
• the child slips through and becomes
trapped.
Checks before you buy
Make sure that:
• the top edge of the playpen floor is 60cm
or more from the floor
• the playpen cannot tip over if your child
leans against the side
• all bars or slats are vertical to
prevent a child from climbing out
• gaps between the bars or slats are
between 5cm and 9.5cm wide
• the edges are smooth and rounded
• any padding is covered with strong
material – a child could chew or choke on
lumps of padding
• there are no screws, nails or other parts
of the playpen sticking out – children
could fall on them or catch their clothing
and strangle
• no parts can be easily detached by the
child.
Using your playpen safely
Always check that the playpen is locked in
position before putting your child into it.
Make sure that inside the playpen there are:
• no large toys or other large objects –
children can pile up large toys and use
them to climb out
• no small objects, or toys that could break
into small parts – these can choke a child
• no toys with long strings or ribbons –
these can strangle a small child
• no pillows in the playpen –a pillow can
suffocate a child and should not be used
for children under two years of age
• no toys strung across the playpen –
children beginning to stand may get
tangled in them.
43
PLAY SAFETY
Parents and caregivers all need to know about
buying safe products and using them safely.
Always buy toys that are right for your child’s
age.
Toys
Safety standard:
AS/NZS ISO 8124.1 MANDATORY
Toys can cut, choke, poison or strangle a child
if they are not safe, or are not used safely.
Toys with small parts, or that release small
parts when dropped or pulled, can be
dangerous for babies and young children.
Young babies explore their world by putting
things in their mouths, but children under
three years of age do not have a well-
developed coughing reflex and will choke
easily on small items.
44
Never leave your baby unattended in the
bath. Babies and small children should
always be supervised in or near water.
Checks before you use bath aids
• Always check the bath aid for any worn
or broken parts before you use it.
• Don’t use a baby bath aid with suction
cups in a bath with an uneven or slip
resistant base, or where the enamel is
worn – the suction cups will not stick to
this type of bath surface.
Using your bath aid safely
Always:
• supervise babies and small children in
the bath
• use only enough water to wet the child
using your hands
• prepare the child’s clothes and towel
before running the bath
• ignore the telephone and the doorbell,
and
• take your child with you if you need to
leave the bathroom for any reason.
Never leave your child in the bath in the care
of an older child – they may not recognise
or react fast enough when a baby gets into
difficulty.
45
46
Choose the right toys for the
child’s age
0 to 6 months:
• Toys that can be chewed, sucked, and
tugged.
• A toy that is big enough so the baby
can’t fit it all in their mouth.
Good choices include: mobiles with
interesting shapes and colours (but keep
the mobile out of reach); soft toys; rattles.
6 months to 1 year:
Toys that are strong, easily cleaned, and
with no detachable parts.
Good choices include: pull and push toys;
floating bath toys; large building bricks
or blocks; soft toys; large, soft balls; cars
and trucks marked safe for children under
one year of age.
Checks before you buy
Make sure the toy:
• is the correct size for the child – the
smaller the child, the bigger the toy should
be. Children under three years may put
things in their mouths, up their noses and
in their ears. They should not play with
toys smaller than 35mm wide or a toy that
can easily break into small parts.
• has a safe surface and fillings. Check that
paints and fillings used aren’t toxic. Ask
the sales assistant when buying the toy.
Children can be poisoned if they lick or
swallow toxic surfaces of toys. Fillings of
toys should not come out easily and cause
a child to choke on them.
• is fire resistant – if it is a soft toy.
• has smooth edges – toys with sharp
points or rough edges could badly scratch
or cut a child.
• is not too loud – if it makes a noise. Check
the toy yourself before you buy or give it
to a child. If it’s too loud for you, it’s much
too loud for a child. A noisy toy could
easily damage a child’s hearing. Also,
each time the child hears noise that is too
loud, their hearing gets worse. Damaged
hearing can affect a child’s development,
making it hard for them to learn and
socialise with people.
See information on our website about
noisy toys at http://www.consumeraffairs.
govt.nz/for-consumers/goods/product-
safety/keeping-kids-safe/noisy-toys.
47
48
2 to 3 years:
Toys to develop a child’s coordination.
Good choices include: crayons; felt pens;
picture books; sorting games; single musical
instruments; balls; hand puppets; wheel
barrows; slides; sit-and-ride toys.
3 to 5 years:
Toys that are used for imaginative games.
Good choices include: toys to dress up; toy
telephones; dolls houses; farm sets; cars;
dump trucks; trains; tricycles; dress-up
costumes; balls; buckets and spades; felt
pens, paints, chalk, and paper. If buying ride
on toys, think about getting a helmet too.
5 to 7 years:
Toys which involve action and imagination.
Good choices: skipping ropes; bikes; kites;
construction sets; puppets; play sets;
musical instruments; modelling materials.
If buying ride on toys, think about getting a
helmet too.
7 to 10 years:
Children follow their own interests!
Toy boxes
Toy boxes help keep rooms tidy, but they can
also be dangerous. Children can be injured
if the lid falls onto their head while they
are looking into the box. Fingers can also
be jammed or crushed. Toy boxes are safer
without lids.
49
Checks before you buy
Make sure that:
• any lid is light and can be removed
completely
• locks can be opened easily from inside
• when the lid is closed there is a gap of
1.2cm between the lid and the box – this
will stop fingers getting crushed.
Using your toy box safely
The way you use your toy box aid can make it
unsafe for your child.
Always:
• remove any heavy lids
• make sure the toy box cannot be used by
the child to climb and reach dangerous
places or objects
• replace worn hinges.
Scooters and skateboards
Falls are the most common injury from
scooters and skateboards. The severity
of injuries can be reduced by wearing
appropriate safety gear.
• Wear correctly fitting helmets that meet
an approved safety standard.
• Wear elbow and knee pads.
• Ride on the footpath, and watch out for
cars using driveways.
• Give way to pedestrians.
• Cross roads safely on foot, at pedestrian
crossings.
5050
Regularly service and maintain your
bike. For example, make sure the brake pads
are in good condition, the frame is not rusty
or bent, the tyres are properly inflated, and
the gears don’t slip.
Teach your child to ride their bike safely. By
law, when riding on the road you must have:
• an approved helmet – it is against the law
not to wear one
• a rear red or yellow reflector
• a steady or flashing rear-facing red light
that can be seen at night from a distance
of 100 metres
• a steady white or yellow forward-facing
light that can be seen at night from a
distance of 100 metres
• yellow pedal reflectors.
See “Cycles: Road rules and equipment” on
the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
website for information about how to ride
bikes safely and legally. This also has a list
of approved helmet standards. (http://
www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/01/
cycles-rules-equipment.html).
51
Bicycles
Safety standard:
AS/NZS 1927 MANDATORY
All new pedal bicycles sold in New Zealand
with a wheel base of 640mm or greater
must comply with a mandatory standard.
Bicycles (or bikes) use public roads
like cars so they must be safe and work
properly.
Children’s tricycles are considered toys
and are NOT allowed on the road. They are
also not covered by the safety standard
applying to bicycles.
Checks before you buy
Don’t buy a bike that is too big for your
child. This is unsafe.
Buy from a recognised bicycle dealer
or bike shop that can do repairs and
servicing and can put things right if the
bike is faulty. Make sure the bike that is
already assembled or have it assembled
by a skilled cycle mechanic.
Using your bike safely
Only use the bike for the reason you
bought it. For example, don’t use a road or
racing bike for riding off-road.
If your bike has been modified, make sure
the changes were done by a qualified
expert.
53
Trampolines
Safety standards:
AS 4989
BS EN 71
ASTM F2225
A lot of accidents and injuries happen when
children use trampolines, often when more
than one person is using the trampoline at a
time. Teach children how to use a trampoline
safely:
Place the trampoline on level ground and
preferably on a soft surface like grass or bark.
Keep the trampoline away from buildings,
trees or fences, and have a clear space of at
least two metres around it and
seven metres above it.
If possible, sink the trampoline into the
ground, level with the surface.
Checks before you buy or use
Make sure:
• There is no rust or damage to the frame,
mat, springs and legs of the trampoline.
• The trampoline has safety padding and
netting, which you can buy as separate
items. The padding should cover the
frame, and ideally the springs as well,
to protect a child accidentally landing
on them. You can put netting around the
outer frame or around the edge of the
mat itself (the safest option).
Using your trampoline safely
• only one person on at a time
• only jump in the centre of the mat
• never jump off
• keep away from the trampoline when
someone is using it – never sit on safety
padding or go underneath
• no flips or somersaults.
Always:
• check before each use – nets can
degrade in the sun
• supervise children while they are using
it
• keep toddlers, toys and bikes away from
the area.
Do not:
• use water or detergents on the surface –
only use it dry
• place objects underneath it.
52
55
SAFETY STANDARDS –
LIST OF TITLES
Swings and slides
Whether using home equipment or public
playgrounds, check the equipment your child
will use to make sure it is safe.
Make sure that children are using age-
appropriate play equipment. Small children
need a separate play area to keep them safe.
Look for hazards such as rusted or broken
equipment and hard surfaces such as asphalt,
concrete and gravel. Report any hazards to
the owner of the playground, for example the
school, parks department or city council.
Check before you use
• Make sure that swings and slide sets are
stable and set up on even ground
• Make sure there are no protruding sharp
edges from any of the surfaces
• Check all bolts and screws are tight and in
good condition
• Check for squeaks, rust and general wear
and tear. If any of these are present, do
not let children use the swing or slide –
get it repaired or replaced.
54
57
AS/NZS ISO Safety of toys –
8124.1 Safety aspects related
to mechanical and
physical properties
(Mandatory)
AS/NZS 1927 Pedal bicycles – Safety
requirements
AS 4989 Trampolines – Safety aspects
BS EN 71 Safety of toys. Trampolines for
domestic use
ASTM F2225 Standard Safety Specification for
Consumer Trampoline Enclosures
Approved standards for bicycle helmets
AS/NZS 2063 Bicycle helmets
EN 1078 Helmets For Pedal Cyclists And
For Users Of Skateboards And
Roller Skates
ASTM F1447 Standard Specification for
Helmets Used in Recreational
Bicycling or Roller Skating
Other helmet safety standards
BS EN 1080 Impact Protection Helmets For
Young Children
ASTM F1898 Standard Specification for
Helmets for Non-Motorized
Wheeled Vehicle Used by Infants
and Toddlers
ASTM F144 Standard Specification for
Helmets Used in Recreational
Bicycling or Roller Skating
ASTM F1492 Standard Specification for
Helmets Used in Skateboarding
and Trick Roller Skating
ASTM F2032 Standard Specification for
Helmets Used for BMX Cycling
56
AS/NZS 2172 Cots for household use – Safety
requirements (Mandatory)
AS/NZS 2195 Folding cots – safety requirements
(This standard does not apply to
cradles carry cots or non-folding
cots.)
AS/NZS 4220 Bunk beds and other elevated beds
AS/NZS 1249 Children’s nightwear and limited
daywear having reduced fire hazard
(Mandatory)
AS/NZS 2088 Prams and strollers – Safety
requirements
BS EN 1888 Child care articles. Wheeled child
conveyances. Safety requirements
and test methods
ASTM F833 Standard Consumer Safety
Performance Specification for
Carriages and Strollers
AS 4684 High chairs – Safety requirements
ISO 9221-1 Furniture – Children’s high chairs –
Part 1: Safety requirements
BS EN 14988-1 Children’s high chairs. Safety
requirements
ASTM F404 Standard Consumer Safety
Specification for High Chairs
ASTM F977 Standard Consumer Safety
Specification for Infant Walkers
(Mandatory)
EN 1930 Child use and Care Articles – Safety
Barriers – Safety Requirements and
Test Methods
ASTM F1004 Standard Consumer Safety
Specification for Expansion Gates
and Expandable Enclosures
AS/NZS 2195 Folding cots – Safety requirements
Playpens with a floor fall within
the scope of this Standard as they
are essentially the same product
as folding cots. Playpens without
a floor are not covered by this
Standard.
58 59
0cm
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Maximum space between
mattress and cot with
mattress centred
20mm
Maximum height of
cot corner posts
5mm
Gaps between cot bars and slats
between 5cm and 9.5 cm
Small parts – anything which
fits through a hole this size
may choke a small child
31.7mm
NOTES
CONTACT INFORMATION
To report unsafe goods, or an injury or near miss
when a product was being used correctly, contact
the Measurement and Product Safety Service –
Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Business,
Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
This information can help us to identify unsafe
goods and take the appropriate action.
See the Consumer Affairs website
www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz for more information
about product safety and keeping kids safe.
Consumer Affairs
Ministry of Business,
Innovation and Employment
P O Box 1473
Wellington
Phone 0508 627 774
Fax (04) 473 9400
www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz
60
www.plunket.org.nz
www.safekids.org.nz
www.acc.co.nz
Supported by:
www.wellchild.org.nz
