Accidents are the most common cause of death or injury in young children, so safety is a vital criterion when selecting babycare equipment. June Thompson reports

Having a baby is an expensive business. Parents come under increasing pressure from advertisements to buy the latest gadget or piece of equipment which they are told is indispensable for the child’s welfare. Many of these items are of course non-essential, expensive, or can be bought second hand, or sometimes hired. Some types of equipment are, however, considered necessary for a baby’s health or welfare. What is important is that this equipment, whether necessary or not, new or second hand, is safe to use.