Did you know that according to a study conducted by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), many parents are buying toys that are not age-appropriate for their children? This led to an alarming 15% increase in toy-related injuries for children under the age of 5 in 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012. Unfortunately, that’s not all. A separate study conducted KKH also found that 242 children who were admitted at the Emergency Department from 2008 to 2010 were for bicycle-related injuries. Fortunately, these somewhat devastating stats can be mitigated by appropriating some procedures and safety tips before making any purchase.
If you’re a new parent, you might want to check out our ultimate newborn checklist that all mothers swear by or even these useful diaper hacks. After getting through that, here are some useful safety tips on what you should be looking out for when buying items for your LO:
1. Buy toys that are appropriate for your child’s age
This might seem like a very obvious thing to do but you’ll be surprised at the number of parents who overlook this. When buying toys, all parents should always make sure that the toy is appropriate for your child’s age. Besides this, it is also crucial for parents to follow the age recommendations and other instructions on the packaging closely.
2. Buy from reputable brands and sellers
Never stinge on toys for your children and get your toys from reputable brands and sellers. You can identify official brands on Shopee from the red Shopee Mallor tick. Other than this, you can also purchase from preferred sellers on Shopee, who can be identified from the orange Preferred Selleror tick. We recommend getting toys like Casdon Little Helper Dyson Cord-Free Vacuum Cleaner Toy ($63.90) that are from reputable brands and sellers.
3. Clean and keep toys after play
It is crucial for parents to ensure that toys are stowed away properly after play and clean toys thoroughly before play. One way to do this is to get a JJOBI Box ($252.05) that can not just store away toys but also sterilise them at the same time.
Product recommendations:
Casdon Little Helper Dyson Cord-Free Vacuum Cleaner Toy ($63.90)
JJOBI Box ($252.05)
4. Buy strollers that are appropriate for your child’s age and weight
Similar to buying toys, all parents should only buy strollers that are suitable for your child’s age and weight. Never stinge on buying strollers, buying them a size too big or small. Look out for the age and maximum weight limit of each baby stroller before making your purchase.
5. Buy strollers that have a 2-step locking or multi-lock system
Always make sure that the stroller has at least a 2-step locking system in place to prevent it from collapsing. This is very important especially if you foresee yourself taking the stroller on trains.
6. Ensure that the harness cannot be unbuckled by the child
Ideally, these buckles and harnesses should be easy for the parent to operate but difficult for these tiny hands to unfasten. Always make sure that the harness fits snuggly and comfortably around your child as well. We recommend getting Babyhome Emotion Stroller ($499), 4Moms Origami Stroller ($1,999) or Bonbijou Luke Mini Stroller ($229) for their five-point harness feature and safety marks.
Product recommendations:
Babyhome Emotion Stroller ($499)
4Moms Origami Stroller ($1,999)
Bonbijou Luke Mini Stroller ($229)
7. Buy bicycles that are appropriate for your child’s height and size
Prevent any falls and injuries by choosing a bicycle or scooter that is of the right size for your child. We will suggest not letting your child ride a bicycle that he or she has outgrown or one that’s too big. By providing a suitable sized bicycle, your child will be able to ride and balance better too. Need some help choosing a bicycle for your little one? Check out our roundup of some of the best bicycles for kids of all ages!
Product recommendations:
smarTrike SkiScooter Z5 ($299)
Nadle 3-in-1 Bicycle ($69.90)
9. Choose the correct mattress
Crib mattresses should be firm and not sag under your baby’s weight. Always remember that providing good and strong support is better than giving your baby a fluffy bed to sleep on. This will not only prevent any accidental suffocation and decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but also prevent your baby from moving much on the crib. Besides getting the correct firmness, the mattress should always perfectly fit the crib, reaching every corner of the crib with no spaces around the sides.
10. Minimise items inside the crib
Why increase the risk of your baby suffocating on items? We suggest keeping the items in your baby’s crib to the bare minimum to decrease the risk of SIDS. You might want to give your baby something to hug at night, but we do suggest keeping an eye on your child while he/she is playing with it and removing it as soon as they’re out of your sight.
11. Never, ever buy old baby cribs
We can’t stress this enough – never, ever buy old baby cribs. This might seem obvious, but you’ll be surprised at the number of parents ignoring this basic rule. Firstly, most old baby cribs do not follow the updated safety rules, which can harm your baby. These cribs may not have proper frames or mattresses, thus not providing your child with the needed support.
Product recommendations:
Graco Pack ‘n Play® On the Go™ Playard ($169)
Lucky Baby® S8™ Travel Playpen Safari ($149 – $189)
Are there any other safety tips we’ve missed out? Share them with us in the comments below!
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